Hundreds of Nigerians have gathered at the National Assembly complex in Abuja in an ongoing protest movement known as Occupy National Assembly, widely referred to online as #OccupyNASS. The demonstrations began on February 8, 2026, following widespread public concern over the Senate’s handling of the Electoral Act amendment, particularly the provisions for the real-time electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections. The protests have continued for several days, drawing participation from youth organizations, civil society groups, student unions, political supporters, and human rights activists.
Key groups involved include Youth Initiative for Governance, Enough is Enough Nigeria, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), who have coordinated daily marches and sit-ins around the National Assembly gates in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja. Speakers at the protests have included civil society leaders such as Aisha Yesufu, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, and activist Omoyele Sowore, who have called for transparency, public oversight, and full consultations with citizens before any amendment is passed.
Protesters argue that the current draft of the amendment could compromise transparency and create vulnerabilities for the manipulation of election outcomes. Banners, placards, and chants emphasize the need for verifiable electronic transmission systems and access to election data, with slogans such as “Protect Our Votes,” “Transparency Now,” and “Restore Public Trust.” Social media campaigns under the hashtag #OccupyNASS have amplified the protests, with live streams and videos documenting events from February 8 through February 10, 2026, reaching audiences across Nigeria and internationally.
The Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies have maintained a significant presence to ensure order, particularly around the Senate chambers in the National Assembly complex. Despite this, the protests have remained largely peaceful, with organizers emphasizing non-violence and civil engagement. Civil society groups have also provided briefings on the technical and legal implications of the proposed amendments to educate participants and guide lawful protest strategies.
Daily attendance has fluctuated, with larger crowds typically gathering on weekends and during coordinated calls for nationwide solidarity marches. Protest speakers have highlighted past electoral challenges in Nigeria, including delayed results, vote manipulation, and lack of public confidence, emphasizing that robust safeguards and independent auditing mechanisms are essential for credible elections in 2027.
Several senators, including Senator Godswill Akpabio, Senator Bukola Saraki, and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, have publicly acknowledged the protests, with some pledging to consult civil society groups and electoral experts before finalizing the bill. Discussions are ongoing, with the potential for amendments that would strengthen transparency, implement secure and verifiable electronic systems, and ensure infrastructure readiness across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Occupy National Assembly movement has received national and international attention, reflecting growing civic engagement in Nigeria. Analysts note that sustained citizen activism, particularly by youth and civil society, could influence not only the Electoral Act amendment but broader democratic reforms, signaling a shift toward increased accountability, public oversight, and participatory governance in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
