By Abuja, Nigeria
Supporters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, expressing solidarity with the electoral body as controversy continues over the Electoral Act 2026.
The demonstration, organised by the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA), commenced at the National Assembly complex and concluded at INEC headquarters. Participants carried placards and chanted pro-INEC slogans, urging the commission to remain steadfast ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections. The rally came days after the Senate rejected fresh calls to amend the Electoral Act 2026.
Opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, had criticised the law as detrimental to democracy and demanded urgent revisions. Lawmakers, however, advised critics to pursue constitutional and legislative channels rather than exert pressure on the commission.
Addressing journalists at the protest ground, AGLA National President Collins Onogu described the gathering as a show of encouragement.
“We are here not in condemnation but in commendation. This is a solidarity protest to tell INEC that Nigerians see the progress and want it sustained,” he said.
Onogu praised the commission’s current leadership, citing what he described as improvements in recent elections, including the Anambra governorship poll, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states. He said the polls were largely peaceful and reflected better coordination and enhanced use of technology.
According to him, the commission recorded progress in logistics and inclusion, noting early deployment of materials, strengthened security arrangements, and greater participation of youths and persons with disabilities.
He also highlighted upgrades to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which he said showed improved stability and faster upload speeds, enabling near real-time access to results and preventing discrepancies between accredited voters and total votes cast.
“These innovations mark measurable progress in Nigeria’s electoral technology. We encourage the commission to keep investing in digital transparency tools that build public confidence,” Onogu added.
He further urged INEC to establish backup connectivity systems for areas with poor internet access and called on political actors and the media to support electoral institutions responsibly.
The Electoral Act 2026 was recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18, sparking ongoing national debate over its provisions.
