By|| Goodluck E. Adubazi || Abuja
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi on Monday in Abuja joined thousands of protesters at the National Assembly, calling for an end to what he described as entrenched electoral “criminality” and urging Nigeria to reclaim its place as a democratic model for Africa.
The protest, organized under the banner of the National Opposition Movement, drew a broad coalition of opposition parties, civil society organizations, and election watchdogs.
Demonstrators barricaded entrances to the National Assembly complex as heavy security was deployed at the main gates, restricting movement in and out of the premises.
Addressing supporters, Obi said Nigeria must “dismantle this criminality” and build a nation that “shows light in Africa,” insisting that the will of the people must no longer be subverted through electoral manipulation.
Prominent civil society leaders at the protest included ActionAid Nigeria Country Director Andrew Mamedu, Aisha Yusuf, Ene, and representatives of Situation Room, alongside activists from several rights groups.
“We are tired of consistent rigging,” she said. “What is recorded at the polling unit must be what is announced. Results must be transmitted, not transmuted. Enough is enough.”
Queen accused the National Assembly of ignoring citizens’ voices and demanded a level playing field for opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections. She warned that discrepancies between polling unit results and final declarations have eroded public trust in the electoral process.
Similarly, Mr. Ike, spokesperson of the National Opposition Movement, said the protest was triggered by reports that the Senate had rejected mandatory electronic transmission of results.
“We felt compelled to raise our voices,” Ike said. “This country belongs to all of us, not just the ruling party. Electronic transmission of results must be compulsory—from the polling unit to INEC—so that what people vote is what is counted.”
He described the collation stage as the “weakest link” in Nigeria’s electoral system, where manipulation often occurs, and proposed stiffer penalties for anyone found tampering with election results.
“One person must not sit somewhere and change the will of millions,” Ike said. “Tampering with results should be treated as a capital offence. Nigerians queue, invest time and resources, and yet their votes are mutilated. That must stop.”
The opposition leaders also rejected claims that some communities lack the infrastructure to transmit results electronically, arguing that widespread use of POS machines and electronic meters proves otherwise.
The protesters warned that if their demands are ignored after the submission of a formal letter to the National Assembly, the demonstrations would escalate.
“This is just the beginning,” Ike said. “If nothing is done urgently, we will shut this place down. The power of the people is greater than the people in power.”
The protest marked one of the most coordinated opposition actions in recent months, signaling rising political tension ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.
