Protesters on Monday intensified their demonstration at the National Assembly in Abuja, declaring that “our vote must count or we will count them,” as they demanded the passage of a strengthened Electoral Amendment Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The protest, now in its fourth day, drew civil society organisations, youth groups, women’s organisations and electoral reform advocates who have sustained pressure on lawmakers to adopt provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Among those present were activists and electoral reform advocates including Peter Randy, Princess Aka, Mama P and Aisha Yesufu, who have been leading the protests since they began. The demonstrators chanted “Our vote must count” and “No transmission, no election,” insisting that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends on whether lawmakers enact transparent electoral reforms.
Speakers at the rally accused political elites of delaying reforms that would ensure credible elections, warning that Nigerians would not accept another flawed electoral cycle. They demanded that the final version of the Electoral Amendment Bill retain the House of Representatives’ provision mandating real-time electronic transmission of results directly from polling units.
Civil society groups also presented a position to the National Assembly’s conference committee, describing the Senate version of the bill as weakened and warning that it could undermine public trust in elections if passed without key safeguards. Protesters insisted that Nigeria has sufficient technology to support transparent electronic transmission of results and rejected claims that infrastructure limitations could hinder the process.
Some participants said Nigerians want to choose their leaders through credible elections, not have leaders imposed on them, adding that protests would continue until lawmakers pass what they described as the “right bill.” Chants of “Freedom comes by struggle” echoed as demonstrators marched along Democracy Avenue.
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Women’s groups also joined the protest in large numbers, calling for the passage of the Special Seats Bill to improve female representation in governance. They said women remain underrepresented in Nigeria’s political system and must be included in decision-making processes. The groups added that women across the country are mobilising to track how lawmakers vote on both the Electoral Amendment Bill and the Special Seats Bill.
Protesters also raised broader concerns about insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship, linking the country’s challenges to poor leadership outcomes from flawed elections. They called on government to prioritise transparency, accountability and investment in citizens.
Meanwhile a Representatives of the National Assembly, Honourable Rotimi who briefly addressed the protesters acknowledged receiving their concerns and assured them that lawmakers would consider the issues raised, urging citizens to remain patient and trust the legislative process.
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