Protect Nigerians’ mandate with real-time result transmission- Obi tells lawmakers

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has dismissed claims that some parts of the country lack adequate network coverage, insisting that electronic transmission of election results in real time is both feasible and necessary.

Obi spoke on Tuesday after participating in the “Occupy the National Assembly” protest organised by members of the Obidient Movement and pro-democracy activists, who accused lawmakers of undermining electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, Obi said he joined the demonstration to demand urgent electoral reforms that genuinely reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

According to him, anyone seeking public office must meet constitutional requirements and pass through transparent processes.

“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation. Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” he said.

Obi argued that financial institutions operate nationwide using secure digital networks on a daily basis, stressing that if banking systems function seamlessly across the country, the electoral system can and should do the same.

He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, to remain actively engaged in the push for credible elections.

Obi added that Nigeria must stop being a “so-called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent” and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with the conduct of credible elections.