Obi, others protest at National Assembly over e-transmission of election results

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, on Monday, led a protest to the National Assembly in Abuja over the Senate’s rejection of the real-time electronic transmission of election results.

The protest brought together students, civil society organisations, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and supporters from the Obidient Movement.

Addressing journalists at the National Assembly Complex, Obi called on lawmakers to allow electoral processes to operate transparently and without interference.

“Let elections follow the normal process. Whoever emerges as winner, we will accept it,” he said.

He questioned the rationale behind the Senate’s decision, adding that the move could create unnecessary controversy and uncertainty around future elections.

NLC threatens nationwide protests, election boycott over real-time e-transmission

The protest followed the passage of an amendment to the Electoral Act by the Senate on February 4, after a five-hour clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.

As part of the changes, the lawmakers reduced the period within which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.

The Senate, however, rejected the provision for real-time electronic transmission of election results, while retaining the existing framework for electronic transfer of results contained in the 2022 Electoral Act.

The decision has continued to attract criticism, with many Nigerians expressing concern over its implications for transparency and public confidence in the electoral process.

The Star