Ahead of Tuesday’s emergency plenary in the Senate, APC chieftain and internet personality, Ayekooto Akindele, has called on lawmakers to remain firm while considering amendments to the controversial sections of the Electoral Act. He stressed that the upper legislative chamber should focus on national interest rather than public pressure from critics.

Ayekooto specifically urged senators to disregard what he described as the “rants of noisy election losers” and their online supporters, as they deliberate on the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the legislation. According to him, Nigerians trust the Senate to make the right decision and act patriotically.

The call comes after a wave of protests, including by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who joined citizens demanding that the phrase “real-time electronic transmission” be clearly stated in the amended Electoral Act. Despite clarifications from the Senate on reports of rejection, demonstrators continue to insist that transparency must be guaranteed in the law.

In a Facebook post, Ayekooto prayed for wisdom for the lawmakers, writing that senators should vote transparently and complete the legislative task promptly. He encouraged the chamber to focus on this crucial responsibility so the National Assembly can move on to other important national matters.