Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has dismissed claims that poor network coverage should prevent electronic transmission of election results, insisting that results must be transmitted nationwide in real time.
Obi made the statement on Tuesday after joining the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest, organised by members of the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy activists, who accused lawmakers of undermining electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 elections.
He explained that his participation was to demand urgent reforms that reflect the will of Nigerians.
He emphasized that anyone aspiring to public office must meet constitutional requirements, present verifiable academic records, and submit to public scrutiny and debates. “No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process,” he said.
On electronic voting, Obi argued that excuses about network limitations were no longer valid.
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“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation. Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” he noted, pointing out that banks operate nationwide using secure digital systems daily.
He urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to remain engaged in the push for credible elections, stressing that Nigeria must stop being “a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent” and instead become “a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.”
The protest followed the Senate’s recent amendment to the Electoral Act, which removed the phrase “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission of results.
Demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Our votes must count,” “No to electoral robbery,” and “Protect democracy now.” Critics argue that the deletion weakens safeguards against manipulation, though the Senate maintains that electronic transmission itself was not rejected.
