By Emmanuella Oghenetega
To strengthen public understanding, shape a coherent reform agenda and demand for real-time electronic transmission of election results in the 2026 Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, ActionAid Nigeria, in collaboration with YIAGA and the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, convened a week-long coordinated, citizen-driven protest at the National Assembly.
The protest brought together experts, policymakers, civil society actors, media, and citizens.
Earlier at the protest, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, insisted that the demand was straightforward and non-negotiable.
Asserting, “Real-time electronic transmission of results. Mandatory. Without any condition.”
In the words of the Country Director, “we have covered the loopholes in voting which now leads to accreditation. Now what we want to cover is the loophole in the transmission of results where the manipulation normally happens.”
Mamedu encouraged citizens to question their Representatives, he said, “It creates a level playing field for anybody who wants to participate in elections.”
Convener of Lawyer in Defence of Democracy and Human Rights, Okere Nnamdi, warned that anything short of the House version of the bill would trigger mass litigation.
“We are calling on the committee of the House of Representatives and the Senate to now harmonise the two versions of the bill, to adopt in totality the House of Representatives version of the 2026 proposed amendment bill,” he said.
He issued a strong warning to lawmakers and the Presidency.
“If anything short of the House of Representatives version is finally endorsed and accepted by the President, I assure you that there will be over 1,000 litigations, public interest cases against the 2026 electoral bill,” Nnamdi stated.
He cautioned against alleged behind-the-scenes interference, saying history would judge members of the harmonisation committee based on their actions.
Also speaking, Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, said persons with disabilities estimated at over 35 million stand firmly behind the House version.
“No real time transmission is no credible election. Enough is enough,” Epelle declared.
He added that citizens would not back down. “We refuse to give in. We refuse to give up. We will not throw in the towel,” he said, adding that Nigerians must use their voices to defend democracy.
