Abuja is at a standstill today, Monday, February 9, 2026, as former presidential candidate and Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, stormed the National Assembly building along with hundreds of pro-democracy activists.
Protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly” Following the Senate’s controversial decision to remove the phrase “real time” Provisions on the electronic transmission of results in the newly amended Electoral Law Bill 2026.
“No more glitches!” – Obi Speaks
Speaking to a crowd at the gates of the cordoned-off National Assembly, Peter Obi warned that Nigerians would no longer accept “technical glitches” as an excuse for electoral fraud.
“We are here because the foundation of any democracy is credible elections. If the Senate cancels ‘live’ transmissions, they open the door to manipulation. Nigerians want to see the results as they exit the polls, not days later!” Obi announced to cheers from the crowd.
The door is heavily guarded
The Federal Secretariat and the road leading to the National Assembly are currently heavily fortified by a joint team consisting of:
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nigeria police force
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nigerian army
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NSCDC (Civil Defense)
Protesters held placards that read ‘Our votes must count’ and “Electronic gearboxes are non-negotiable” They were prevented from entering the building, leading to a tense standoff at the main entrance.
Controversy: What has changed in the Senate?
Last week, the Senate passed Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Amendment Act 2026. Although they claimed that electronic transmissions were still allowed, they removed the word “mandatory” and “real time,” Give INEC the power to decide “how and when” the results will be uploaded. Critics said it was a “huge setback” for transparency ahead of the 2027 election.
What do you think? Should electronic transmission be mandatory and real-time? Leave your comments below and share this article!
