'Electoral Reforms Are Non Negotiable'

‘Electoral Reforms Are Non Negotiable’ – Peter Obi Speaks After Protest
He demanded electronic transmission of results and strict candidate eligibility checks.
Obi urged youths to remain steadfast in pushing for credible elections.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has renewed his call for the National Assembly to carry out clear and urgent electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made the call in a statement released on Tuesday via his X account, insisting that the reforms must reflect the will of the Nigerian people and uphold electoral integrity.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that he said he joined a peaceful protest at the National Assembly on Monday to identify with Nigerians demanding credible electoral reforms.

According to the former Anambra State governor, anyone aspiring to public office must present verifiable records of their primary, secondary and tertiary education, alongside meeting other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications.

Obi also stressed that electoral reforms must make electronic and real time transmission of election results mandatory to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.

Reacting to comments credited to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on possible challenges facing electronic transmission of results, Obi said arguments about lack of network coverage in some states were no longer acceptable.

He urged Nigerian youths to remain resolute in their demand for reforms, expressing confidence that a better Nigeria is achievable.

The full statement reads:

“Yesterday, February 9th, I participated in a peaceful protest at the National Assembly to demand urgent electoral reforms that truly reflect the will of the Nigerian people.

“Our demands were clear and non negotiable: anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process. Aspirants for public office should provide verifiable records of their primary, secondary, and tertiary education, along with fulfilling other constitutional requirements such as age and qualifications. No one should aspire to lead without having gone through due process.

“Beyond eligibility, candidates must engage in open campaigns, public scrutiny, and debates as mandated by law. Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.

“Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable. Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes on a daily basis. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.

“Nigeria must stop being a so called Giant of Africa that disgraces the continent and instead become a beacon of exemplary governance, beginning with credible elections.

“We owe the younger generation a nation built on order, justice, and trust, not one mired in chaos and impunity. As the agitation continues, I urge our youth, who turned out in large numbers, to remain steadfast and not relent until the necessary reforms are achieved.