JUST IN: Pro-INEC Protest Hits Abuja Amid Electoral Act 2026 Controversy
Supporters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday took to the streets of Abuja in a show of solidarity with the electoral body amid growing debate over the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
The protest, organised by the Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA), began at the National Assembly complex and ended at INEC headquarters.
Participants carried placards and chanted messages backing the commission and its leadership ahead of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
The demonstration followed the Senate’s decision to reject calls for another amendment to the Electoral Act 2026.
Pressure for a review had intensified after opposition figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi described the law as unfriendly to democracy and demanded urgent changes.
However, lawmakers advised critics of the Act to follow constitutional and legislative channels rather than mounting public pressure on the commission.
Addressing journalists at the protest ground, AGLA National President, Collins Onogu, said the gathering was meant to encourage the commission rather than condemn it.
He said, “We have gathered peacefully today at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission to lend our voices not in condemnation-but in commendation. This is a solidarity protest.
“This is a protest to say ‘Nigeria sees the progress, and we ask that it continues.’ This is a protest of encouragement.”
Onogu praised the current leadership of Independent National Electoral Commission, noting that recent elections conducted under the new management had recorded visible improvements.
He said the commission had successfully organised the Anambra governorship election, the Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, and bye-elections in Kano and Rivers states within a short period.
According to him, these polls were largely peaceful and transparent, with improved coordination and use of technology.
Onogu added that INEC showed progress in logistics and inclusion, especially with early arrival of materials, better security arrangements, and participation of young people and persons with disabilities.
He said, “Democracy thrives not only on voting but on trust and trust is built through consistent credible processes.”
The group also highlighted upgrades to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), saying the system recorded better stability and faster upload speed during the last elections.
Onogu explained that the new system prevented votes from exceeding the number of accredited voters and allowed citizens to view results in near real time.
“These innovations represent measurable progress in Nigeria’s electoral technology evolution. We encourage the Commission to continue investing in digital transparency tools that deepen public confidence,” he said.
He urged INEC to establish backup networks for areas with poor internet coverage and called on political actors and the media to support electoral institutions responsibly.
“Our presence here today is driven by one message – ‘Do not relent.’ Electoral reform is not an event, it is a journey,” he added.
The protest came amid public debate over the Electoral Act 2026, which was recently passed by the National Assembly and signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on February 18.
