Today's News: Protests and Controversy Surrounding the INEC Electoral Reform Bill

Monday, February 9, 2026

As we navigate through February 2026, one issue has dominated conversations across Nigeria: the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026. With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Nigerians are increasingly vocal about the need for transparent and credible electoral processes.

Today, February 9, 2026, the spotlight is on widespread protests at the National Assembly in Abuja, where citizens, civil society groups, and political figures are demanding reforms to ensure electronic transmission of results becomes mandatory.

This bill, aimed at amending the Electoral Act 2022, has sparked heated debates, with critics accusing the Senate of undermining public trust by rejecting key provisions for real-time result uploads to INEC's IReV portal.

The Legislative Journey

The bill's journey has been fraught with tension. The House of Representatives passed its version back in December 2025, which included stronger measures for transparency. However, when the Senate deliberated on it last week, lawmakers voted against making electronic transmission compulsory, opting instead to retain discretionary powers for INEC.

Prominent Voices and Mass Action

Prominent figures like former Senate President David Mark, economist Pat Utomi, and human rights lawyer Femi Falana have condemned the Senate's stance. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened mass action and even election boycotts if the provisions aren't reinstated.

Civil society organizations, including Yiaga Africa and the Situation Room, have echoed these sentiments, calling the Senate's actions a betrayal of public trust.

"Adding fuel to the fire, former presidential candidate Peter Obi made a surprise appearance at today's protests, rallying crowds at the National Assembly gates."

Security has been heightened as demonstrators gather with placards demanding accountability. Obi's involvement has amplified the trend on social media, with hashtags like #INECReform and #OccupyNASS gaining traction.

What’s Next?

The Senate's response? An emergency plenary session is set for tomorrow, February 10, to adopt the votes and proceedings from their February 4 sitting. This could pave the way for harmonization between the Senate and House versions.

Why does this matter to everyday Nigerians, especially those in programs like N-Power? Electoral integrity directly impacts governance and policies that affect youth empowerment, economic opportunities, and social welfare.

In conclusion, today's trends underscore a collective call for progress. As the Senate convenes tomorrow, the nation watches closely. For Nigeria's democracy to thrive, reforms must reflect the people's will—not dilute it.

What are your thoughts on the bill? Let's keep the conversation going in the comments below.