Amaechi charges opposition parties to protest against one party attempt

From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja

Pressure on the National Assembly intensified yesterday as former Rivers State Governor and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, joined the ongoing demonstrations against the Senate’s decision to exclude mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Bill.

The protest, which entered its second day, had earlier attracted the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, alongside civil society organisations, who on Monday barricaded the main gate of the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

He arrived at the protest ground accompanied by his son, a medical doctor, citing safety concerns in case of potential violence.

“I brought my son, who is a medical doctor, in case the demonstration turns violent and injuries are sustained by the protesters,” he said.

He further emphasised the need for political leaders to actively participate in struggles for justice, rather than leaving such battles to ordinary citizens.

“During major protests, leaders should be at the forefront with their families, and not just leave agitations for people at the lower rung of the society to face the hurdles,” he added.

The protest follows a call by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) urging Nigerians to resist what it described as attempts by the National Assembly to undermine democracy through anti-democratic laws, and to mobilise opposition parties for street action.

He criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for allegedly being uncomfortable with electronic transmission of results due to fears of electoral defeat.

“I believe that the opposition parties should come out, PDP, ADC, everybody, should be out to protest against the attempt of one party,” he said.

He questioned why a ruling party controlling numerous state governments would shy away from transparent elections.

According to him, sustained pressure from opposition parties and civil society groups would eventually compel the Senate and President Bola Tinubu to reconsider, even if they initially disregard public demands.

Meanwhile, a heavy security presence was observed around the National Assembly, with Nigeria Police operatives blocking major access roads as the Senate convened an emergency plenary session.

The protest was coordinated by human rights activist Aisha Yusuf alongside several civil society organisations, highlighting public demand for transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral processes.