NASS Protests.webp
The Digest:

Protesters have returned to the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. Civil society groups including Situation Room and Action Aid led the demonstration, insisting on complete elimination of manual collation to prevent result manipulation. Security operatives barricaded the complex entrances, forcing protesters to gather outside the gates. The protest follows the Senate's emergency plenary last Tuesday, where lawmakers approved electronic transmission to INEC's IReV portal but retained manual collation as a backup for technical failures, removing the "real-time" requirement. Protesters vow to continue pressing lawmakers until full real-time transmission is guaranteed. The Senate reconvenes Tuesday for further deliberations.

Key Points:
  • The protest intensifies pressure on lawmakers to eliminate manual collation loopholes ahead of 2027.
  • It reflects deep public distrust in electoral integrity and determination to hold legislators accountable.
  • Voters demand transparency, while security operatives restrict access to the National Assembly.
  • This signals that civil society will not accept compromises on real-time transmission.
  • The timing, ahead of Tuesday's plenary, maximises pressure on reconvening lawmakers.
Protesters remain resolute, insisting that the election budget already covers technology costs and that manual backups are unnecessary for credible polls.

Sources: The Punch, Situation Room, Action Aid

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