Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters in Abuja demonstrating against the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, vowing sustained pressure until the decision is reversed.
The protest, which began on Monday, is aimed at opposing the Senate’s decision to reject real-time electronic transmission of election results, a development many activists and opposition groups say threatens electoral transparency and credibility.
Amaechi attended the protest alongside his son, a medical doctor, explaining that he brought him along in case the demonstration turned violent and injuries were sustained. He added that his action reflects his belief that leaders should be at the forefront of major protests with their families.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) called on Nigerians to mobilise, urging opposition parties to take to the streets in protest against the Senate’s stance on electronic transmission of election results.
Amaechi accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of opposing electronic transmission out of fear of losing elections. He questioned why the party would resist the system despite gaining defections from opposition governors and prominent politicians.
He further stated that although Senate President Godswill Akpabio and President Bola Tinubu may ignore the demands of Nigerians, opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue the protests until the decision is reversed.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force barricaded major roads leading to the National Assembly complex, where the Senate is scheduled to hold an emergency plenary session.
The protest is being led by human rights activist Aisha Yesufu alongside several civil society organisations that initiated the demonstration on Monday, as calls grow for greater transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.