Oby Ezekwesili Joins Protesters at National Assembly, Insists on Mandatory Real-Time E-Transmission of Results to “Stop Coups on Democracy”

Former Minister of Education and prominent transparency advocate Dr. Oby Ezekwesili on Thursday, February 17, 2026, joined civil society protesters at the National Assembly gates, lending her voice to the ongoing #MattressRevolution sit-in demanding the immediate passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill with mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.

Ezekwesili, who arrived at the protest site around 11:30 a.m. amid chants of “Our votes must count,” addressed the crowd through a megaphone, calling the current version of the bill “a coup on democracy disguised as legislation.”

In her remarks, she said: “This is not about politics it is about the survival of democracy itself. If we allow discretionary manual transmission, we are legalising the theft of votes. Real-time electronic transmission from polling units is non-negotiable. Anything less is a coup on the will of the people. We must stop this coup on democracy now.” She urged lawmakers to listen to the protesters who have slept on mattresses at the gate for over a week, insisting that “the people have spoken loudly enough.”

Ezekwesili also criticised what she called “the arrogance of power” in the National Assembly, warning that delaying or diluting the electronic transmission clause would deepen public distrust and fuel future instability.

The sit-in its second week intensified after the Senate passed its version of the bill last week with a fallback clause allowing manual transmission in cases of technical failure. Protesters and opposition lawmakers argue the provision creates room for manipulation at collation centres.

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The House of Representatives is currently in a rowdy session debating a motion to rescind or amend its own earlier passage of the bill, with minority members walking out chanting “APC Ole” after the dual-transmission clause was retained.

Ezekwesili’s appearance has given fresh momentum to the protest, with many describing her presence as “a game-changer” in the push for electoral reform ahead of 2027.

Security remained heavy around the complex, but the protest stayed peaceful during her visit.

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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