Amaechi Urges Real-Time Electoral Transmission to Prevent Deaths

• Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
• Amaechi joined protesters at the National Assembly demanding legal clarity in the Electoral Act amendment.
• Protesters used mattresses and pillows to symbolically occupy the premises.
• Similar calls have been made by former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

On Tuesday, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, joined demonstrators at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja to press for the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the upcoming Electoral Act amendment.

Amaechi told journalists that electronic transmission from polling units could save countless lives, noting that election periods in Nigeria are often marred by violence. “The advantage is that very few persons will die on the election field. Very few Nigerians. You are saving the lives of Nigerians,” he said, urging citizens to mobilize in large numbers to pressure lawmakers.

The protest saw participants bringing mattresses and pillows into the National Assembly, symbolically declaring that they would not leave until their demands were met. Amaechi warned against continued apathy from authorities, referencing past incidents where electoral violence claimed lives and highlighting the need for immediate reforms.

Electronic Transmission: A Path to Safer Elections

Amaechi emphasized that the reform is essential to prevent rigging and ensure transparency. He warned that excessive use of force on voters would be unacceptable under international law, stressing accountability for any potential harm.

Also read: Peter Obi, Supporters Protest Senate’s Block on Real-Time Election Results

The former minister’s intervention aligns with previous calls by former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who also supported mandatory electronic transmission to enhance electoral credibility. Protesters argued that INEC’s discretion over the process is insufficient, insisting that legal clarity is needed to prevent manipulation.

Despite logistical challenges cited by some legislators, the demonstrators, backed by civil society and youth groups, called for firm legislative action. Amaechi encouraged citizens nationwide to mobilize in numbers surpassing available security personnel to demand accountability and protect the integrity of elections.

The demonstration highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the 2027 Electoral Act amendment and the broader struggle for credible, safe, and transparent elections in Nigeria. Authorities have yet to respond to the calls, but the protest has reignited public debate on measures to curb electoral violence.