By SUNTV Global Channel | February 10, 2026
Former Minister of Transportation and ex–Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined thousands of protesters at the National Assembly complex in Abuja to oppose the Nigerian Senate’s removal of the clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking directly at the protest ground during the second consecutive day of demonstrations, Amaechi said his presence was deliberate and symbolic, stressing that the issue at stake was too important for political leaders to remain silent.
In a striking moment that drew applause from demonstrators, Amaechi revealed that he arrived at the protest with his first son, Chikamkpa Amaechi, a medical doctor, to attend to any protesters who might sustain injuries.
“Many Nigerians say we politicians tell people to protest while we hide our children at home,” Amaechi said.
“That is why I brought my own son, who is a medical doctor, to join this protest. His duty here is to treat anyone who gets injured.”
Amaechi urged Nigerians to turn out in larger numbers, warning that silence would embolden actions capable of undermining electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“There is an urgent need to mobilise more Nigerians here so that we can kick against this move,” he added.
SUNTV Global Channel observed heightened tension at the protest venue, as Amaechi had a brief confrontation with security operatives amid an increased security presence around the National Assembly.
The protest follows widespread outrage over the Senate’s controversial amendment to the Electoral Act, which removed the provision requiring mandatory, real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
Public anger peaked a day earlier when former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi led hundreds of Nigerians to the National Assembly under the banner of the National Opposition Movement (NOM).
Addressing the crowd, Obi described the protest as lawful, patriotic, and necessary, calling for electoral reforms that would guarantee transparency and restore public trust.
“Election results must be transmitted electronically from the polling booth directly. Let people watch it,” Obi said.
“This is what is done in South Africa, Ghana, and other countries. The giant of Africa has refused to be giant. We cannot continue to shame Africa.”
Protesters carried placards demanding electoral transparency, compulsory electronic transmission of results, and accountability from the leadership of the National Assembly. Some demonstrators openly called for the resignation of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, accusing the Senate of ignoring sustained public demands.
The demonstration prompted heavy security deployment, with personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other agencies barricading major access points to the National Assembly complex.
Meanwhile, the Senate is expected to convene an emergency plenary session on Tuesday to address the growing backlash over its handling of the Electoral Act amendments.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor developments as Nigerians intensify calls for credible elections and democratic accountability.
