Nigerian Opposition Group Accuses Ruling Party of Stalling Electoral Reforms, Plans National Protest
A leading Nigerian opposition coalition, the Obidient Movement, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of deliberately obstructing electoral reforms to undermine future elections. The group alleges the APC, which controls the National Assembly, is resisting transparency measures like real-time electronic transmission of results, risking a “dangerous regression” in the country’s democracy.
In a statement, National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko highlighted what the movement called a hypocrisy: the APC utilizes electronic registration and digital processes for its own internal affairs but opposes similar technology for national polls. This, the statement said, contradicts the party’s public stance on improving electoral integrity.
The accusation follows widespread concerns over irregularities documented during the 2023 general elections. The Obidient Movement warned that without immediate legislative action, the alleged malpractice of 2023 could be repeated in the 2027 elections, compromising the credibility of the entire electoral process.
To counter this, the movement announced plans for a peaceful nationwide march on the National Assembly. The protest aims to pressure legislators to convene an emergency session and pass a law mandating the real-time electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV). The group asserts this demand reflects the public will for electoral transparency.
The statement called on Nigerians, civil society organizations, and the international community to oppose what it described as efforts by a “political elite” to maintain power by weakening democratic institutions. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and lawfully resist any future electoral manipulation.
The planned demonstration underscores heightened political tensions in Nigeria, where electoral credibility remains a critical national issue. The Obidient Movement’s actions place direct pressure on the National Assembly just over a year before the 2027 elections, framing the fight for electronic result transmission as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic commitment. The international community is now being asked to monitor the situation closely as the group mobilizes for what it terms a decisive reclaiming of the nation’s democratic process.
