El-Rufai backs Peter Obi protest, blasts Senate over electoral act amendments

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has expressed support for the protest led by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, against the National Assembly’s handling of the Electoral Act amendments, saying he would have joined the demonstration if he were in Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview with Trust TV on Monday, El-Rufai criticised the Senate for removing provisions on the real-time electronic transmission of election results from the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill. He argued that the reform is crucial for preventing vote manipulation and enhancing election credibility.

“It’s unfortunate I have not been able to return to Nigeria. I would have joined Mr. Peter Obi and other party leaders in protesting to the National Assembly to restore the real-time and mandatory transmission of results from the polling unit,” he said.

El-Rufai accused the Senate of delaying and resisting the reform for political reasons, aimed at preserving electoral advantages, while noting that the House of Representatives had already aligned with the measure.

The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” saw hundreds of demonstrators march from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja on Monday, calling on lawmakers to ensure real-time transmission of election results. Members of the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy groups argued that removing the phrase “real-time” from the bill’s provisions opens the door to post-election manipulation.

Security operatives from the Nigeria Police, Army, and Civil Defence blocked access to the complex, forcing the protest to take place outside the main gate. Demonstrators held placards reading “Our votes must count,” “No to electoral robbery,” and “Protect democracy now.”

Addressing journalists, Obi warned that Nigeria’s democratic progress is at risk and stressed that credible elections are vital for national development.

“The danger was clear. We have suffered the danger before. We don’t want any glitch again. This is finished. We want things to come back to normal. No more glitch,” he said, calling on lawmakers to enshrine electronic transmission of results into law.

El-Rufai’s comments highlight growing criticism of the Senate’s amendments, which opponents say undermine transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.