Breaking News: Tension at NASS as Amaechi and Peter Obi Join Day 2 of Electoral Act Protests

The atmosphere at the National Assembly (NASS) complex in Abuja has reached a boiling point today, February 10, 2026. What began as a civil society movement has now transformed into a high-stakes political showdown as heavyweight opposition figures joined the frontlines.

The Headline Act: Amaechi and Obi Unite? In a move that has sent shockwaves through the political establishment, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi was spotted at the protest grounds today, joining the “Occupy NASS” movement. This follows yesterday’s dramatic appearance by the Labour Party’s Peter Obi, who marched alongside hundreds of young Nigerians and civil society groups. The sight of Amaechi—a foundational member of the APC—standing in solidarity with protesters demanding transparency marks a significant shift in his political trajectory and bolsters the growing opposition coalition ahead of 2027.

Why Are They Protesting? The “Day 2″ surge is centred on one non-negotiable demand: The mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results. Protesters are venting their fury over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025, which reportedly omits the clause requiring results to be uploaded directly from polling units to the IReV portal.”Simple transmission is not a difficult thing,” Peter Obi told the crowd yesterday. “Allow the elections to go through the normal process so that the true will of the people can be reflected.

“What’s Happening Right Now? Beds and Mats: Demonstrators have brought mattresses and camping gear, vowing not to leave until Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the House leadership address them directly.

Security Cordon: The police have intensified their presence at the MOPOL gate, but the protest has remained largely peaceful, though highly vocal. The Demands: Beyond e-transmission, the groups are demanding a clear timeline for the 2027 election preparations to avoid the “glitches” of 2023.

The Legal Perspective: Under Nigerian law, specifically the Supreme Court ruling of October 2023, it was established that e-transmission was not mandatory under the previous Electoral Act. This protest is a direct attempt to use legislative lobbying (and public pressure) to change that. Sections 47 and 60 of the Electoral Act 2022 are the battlegrounds here. Protesters want the word “may” changed to “shall” when it comes to the electronic transfer of results to ensure that no discretion is left to INEC.

The Blogger’s Take: Seeing Rotimi Amaechi on the streets alongside civil society is a clear signal that the 2027 “Mega Party” talks are no longer just rumors—they are happening in real-time. With the Senate under pressure to pass the amendment before the end of the quarter, all eyes are on the “Red Chamber.”Is this the end of manual result sheets in Nigeria? Or will the “glitch” return to haunt 2027? Drop your comments below!

MacjayBloggs
MacjayBloggs
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