Tension flared at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday as former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had a heated exchange with police officers during an ongoing protest. Amaechi was among demonstrators who gathered to express anger over the Senate’s position on electoral reforms.

The former governor joined the protest to demand the compulsory use of real-time electronic transmission of election results. The issue has sparked widespread outrage, especially after lawmakers rejected proposals seen by many Nigerians as critical to ensuring transparent and credible elections.

The protest, tagged “Occupy the National Assembly,” attracted large numbers of youths who said the Senate’s decision represents a setback for democracy. Protesters insisted that electronic transmission of results is essential to protect voters’ mandates and prevent manipulation during elections.

The demonstration comes amid mounting pressure on lawmakers to revisit their stance as public debate on electoral integrity intensifies. Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had earlier joined the protest in solidarity, reinforcing calls for urgent reforms to restore public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.