Protest Over Electoral Act Enters Second Day as Amaechi Joins Activists

The #OccupyNASS protest continued Tuesday at the National Assembly, with former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi joining activists demanding amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general election. Key demands include mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Security forces maintained a heavy presence, barricading the National Assembly complex and preventing demonstrators from submitting their petitions. Frustrated protesters chanted against what they described as excessive police force.

Amaechi addressed the crowd, discussing governance, corruption, and his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He criticised current leadership, citing mismanagement of public funds and alleged irregularities in major infrastructure contracts.

Rights activist Aisha Yesufu criticised police actions, accusing officers of prioritising suppression of peaceful citizens over addressing security threats. She described the police as complicit in systemic oppression and questioned the ethical contradiction of officers claiming to fight evil while targeting civilians.

The protest follows Monday’s participation by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who also called for electoral reforms and the adoption of real-time transmission of election results.