Tinubu to Sign Amended Electoral Act Despite Protests, Sowore Criticizes Elite

The Nigerian Senate revealed that President Bola Tinubu is set to sign the amended Electoral Act in February, amid nationwide protests over the removal of a real-time transmission clause for election results. During a Senate plenary session, Senator Akpabio announced this development, which sparked protests by civil society groups and activists like Omoyele Sowore.

Sowore, a former presidential candidate and leader of the African Action Congress (AAC), criticized the political elite for pushing regressive laws that could compromise electoral credibility. He emphasized the need for electoral transparency, focusing on expanding electronic voting and integrating transparency from the voting process.

Sowore highlighted the heavy security presence at the protests, describing it as intimidation against citizens exercising their constitutional rights. He called for security forces to act professionally to prevent escalating tensions and advocated for sweeping political changes rather than gradual reforms, reflecting a growing political consciousness among Nigerians.