Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi has stated that Nigerians experienced better living conditions under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari compared to the current government. Amaechi made the remarks during the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest in Abuja on Tuesday, a demonstration led primarily by youths concerned over electoral reforms.
The protest, which drew a large crowd to the National Assembly complex, centered on demands for credible elections and greater democratic accountability. Amaechi, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Rivers State, directly compared the economic realities under President Buhari and President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Is life easier now than when I was in the APC? Life is worse now than during the time of former President Buhari,” Amaechi said, referencing his party’s time in power. He noted that even amidst Buhari’s administration’s plans to remove fuel subsidies, the general welfare of citizens was comparatively better.
His participation aligned with the protest’s core demand for the real-time electronic transmission of election results. This issue has become a focal point of public frustration following the Nigerian Senate’s decision to reject the inclusion of an electronic transmission mandate in the ongoing Electoral Act amendment process. Protesters argue that direct electronic transmission is a critical technical reform to enhance transparency and reduce opportunities for electoral manipulation.
Amaechi’s critique from within the ruling party highlights the intensifying political and economic debates facing Nigeria. While the current administration has implemented several economic policies, including the full removal of fuel subsidies, inflation and the cost of living remain high, fueling public discontent.
The protest underscores the persistent civil society and youth-led pressure for deeper electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. The demand for electronic results transmission is presented by advocates as a non-negotiable standard for ensuring results reflect the will of voters. The Senate’s rejection of the proposal means the issue will likely remain a point of contention in future legislative sessions and public discourse.
The confrontation between citizen demands and legislative action sets the stage for continued advocacy. Observers note that the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process remains a pivotal concern for both domestic stability and international perception. The “Occupy the National Assembly” protest represents a significant moment of public mobilization, directly challenging lawmakers to reconsider their stance on technology-driven electoral safeguards before the next election cycle.
