PROTESTERS OCCUPY NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OVER E-TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS

Nigerian youths on Monday converged on Abuja to stage an “Occupy National Assembly” protest against the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of election results.

The protest, which drew participants from different parts of the country, is targeted at the National Assembly and is aimed at pressuring lawmakers to reverse their position on the e-transmission of election results.

There was a heavy security presence at the protest venue, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps deployed to maintain law and order.

The demonstration comes amid growing public discontent over the Senate’s stance on the Electoral Amendment Bill. Last Wednesday, the Senate reportedly rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60, subsection 3 of the bill, which sought to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

At the time of filing this report, protesters had begun a march from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, heading towards the gate of the National Assembly.

The protest reflects mounting pressure from civil society groups, labour unions, and youth organisations demanding transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.