Former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, on Tuesday joined protesters in Abuja opposing the Senate’s rejection of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, saying he brought along his son to provide medical assistance if the demonstration turned violent.
Amaechi, who spoke to journalists at the protest ground, said the presence of his son—a medical doctor—was meant to counter claims that politicians encourage protests while shielding their families abroad.
He explained that his decision was driven by his belief that more Nigerians, including political leaders and their families, should actively participate in civic actions. According to him, his son’s role was to attend to anyone injured during the protest.
The former governor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resisting electronic transmission of election results out of fear of losing elections, urging opposition parties to mobilise and resist what he described as an attempt by one party to dominate the electoral process.
Amaechi called on Nigerians to turn out in large numbers, warning that security agencies would be deployed to control the protests. He argued that mass participation would strengthen the movement and discourage intimidation.
He further claimed that electronic transmission of results would reduce election-related violence and deaths, alleging that the current system encourages rigging and endangers ordinary citizens during elections while political elites remain protected.
In his remarks, Amaechi also criticised the federal government’s handling of insecurity, accusing President Bola Tinubu of responding only after external pressure from the United States.
He referenced comments made by former US President Donald Trump in November 2025, when Trump threatened to withdraw aid and possibly take military action against Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Amaechi argued that the government’s response to insecurity reflected a lack of concern for Nigerian citizens, insisting that sustained public pressure was necessary to force accountability and reform.
