Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi joined hundreds of pro-democracy activists on Monday, February 9, 2026, for a high-stakes protest at the National Assembly in Abuja. The demonstration, held under the “Occupy NASS” banner, was triggered by the Senate’s recent decision to remove “real-time” electronic transmission requirements from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
The protest began at the Federal Secretariat and moved toward the National Assembly complex, where security forces from the Nigeria Police and Army established a barricade at the main gate. Protesters, including members of the “Obidient Movement” and various civil society groups, carried placards with slogans such as “No to Electoral Robbery” and “Defend Our Democracy.” They expressed outrage that the new bill makes electronic result uploads discretionary rather than mandatory, a move they argue will facilitate manipulation during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking to the press outside the gates, Obi described the legislative shift as a “setback for transparency” and a threat to Nigeria’s democratic integrity. He urged the National Assembly to restore the mandatory real-time upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal to ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected. Obi emphasized that dismantling “electoral criminality” is essential for national stability and progress.
The protest coincides with a period of intense political friction. The Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to address the growing public backlash. While some lawmakers argue that the bill still allows for electronic transmission, the removal of the word “mandatory” has united opposition leaders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and youth activists in a rare display of coordinated defiance.
Obi’s leadership in this street protest signals a shift toward more direct political action ahead of the 2027 cycle. The outcome of Tuesday’s emergency Senate session will likely determine if the government chooses to de-escalate the tension by restoring the transparency clauses or risks further nationwide unrest.
