Nigerian youths on Monday converged in Abuja to stage the “Occupy National Assembly” protest, expressing outrage over the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
The protest, which drew participants from various civil groups, is taking place amid a heavy security presence around the National Assembly complex. Security operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have been deployed to maintain order.
The demonstration follows the Senate’s decision last Wednesday to reject a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill. The amendment sought to make real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units compulsory.
Critics of the Senate’s position argue that the decision undermines transparency and accountability in the electoral process, while protesters insist that electronic transmission is critical to curbing manipulation of election results.
As of the time of filing this report, the protesters had commenced a march from the Federal Secretariat in Abuja and were advancing toward the main gate of the National Assembly. Security agencies remain on high alert as the situation continues to unfold.