- Peter Obi had dismissed network challenges as an excuse against real-time electronic transmission of election results
- He spoke after joining the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest organised by the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy activists
- Obi had warned that Nigeria’s democratic credibility would continue to suffer without transparent, technology-driven elections
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has declared that claims of inadequate network coverage in some parts of Nigeria are no longer acceptable, insisting that election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time across the country to safeguard democratic integrity.
Obi made the remarks on Tuesday after joining the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest in Abuja. The demonstration, organised by members of the Obidient Movement alongside pro-democracy activists, was staged in response to recent actions by lawmakers which protesters say undermine electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Obi said his participation was driven by the need to press for urgent reforms capable of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“I am here to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor emphasised that anyone seeking public office must strictly comply with constitutional requirements and submit themselves to transparent and verifiable processes. According to him, leadership should never be based on shortcuts or opacity.
He stressed that candidates must present verifiable records of their primary, secondary and tertiary education, participate in open campaigns, and subject themselves to public scrutiny and debates.
“No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process,” Obi stated.
On the contentious issue of electronic voting and result transmission, Obi argued that references to poor network infrastructure have become outdated and should no longer be used to justify delays or alleged manipulation of election outcomes. He maintained that technological limitations are not a valid excuse in a country where digital systems are already deeply embedded in daily life.
“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation,” he said. “Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable.”
To support his argument, Obi pointed to the banking sector, noting that financial institutions operate securely and efficiently across Nigeria every day using digital platforms.
“If banking systems function seamlessly nationwide, our electoral system can and should do the same,” he added.
Obi also called on Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain actively engaged in the democratic process and continue demanding credible elections. He warned that Nigeria risks diminishing its continental standing if electoral credibility is not strengthened.
“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent,” he said, urging the country to instead become “a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.”
The protest followed the Senate’s decision to remove the phrase “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission in the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill. While lawmakers have maintained that electronic transmission itself was not rejected, critics argue that the removal weakens safeguards against result manipulation.
Hundreds of demonstrators marched from the Federal Secretariat to the National Assembly Complex, carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Our votes must count,” “No to electoral robbery,” and “Protect democracy now.”
The Senate last week passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, through third reading, but public pressure continues to mount as civil society groups and political figures call for stronger legal guarantees to ensure transparent, credible and technology-driven elections in Nigeria.