Police operatives barricaded the National Assembly complex as demonstrators mobilised to press lawmakers over the unresolved controversy surrounding electronic transmission of election results.
Police moved swiftly to restrict access to the legislative complex as protesters intensified their demands, insisting that ongoing electoral reforms must explicitly guarantee transparent and real-time electronic transmission of results.
The demonstrators argue that anything short of clear legislative wording could undermine public confidence in future elections.
Moreover, the protest has drawn support from various civil society organisations, women’s groups, and a small number of opposition members affiliated with the African Democratic Congress, all united by concerns over the Senate’s position on the matter.
Despite assurances from lawmakers clarifying that electronic transmission was not outrightly rejected, protesters maintain that ambiguity in the proposed law remains unacceptable.
According to some organisers, the action is deliberately structured to be peaceful.
“We are not here to disrupt legislative activities or force our way into the complex,” one civil society representative said.
“Our message is simple: the law must clearly protect real-time electronic transmission of election results.”
Furthermore, protesters disclosed that the demonstration would remain orderly and confined to the vicinity of the complex.
Another participant noted that the aim was to “hold lawmakers accountable through civic pressure, not confrontation.”
The protest, tagged “Occupy National Assembly,” began on Monday, with participants marching from the Federal Secretariat toward the National Assembly in Abuja.
Security personnel deployed to the area were drawn from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, maintaining a heavy presence as the demonstration unfolded.