On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the #OccupyNASS protest entered its second decisive day, as citizens and activists intensified their presence around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja. The mobilization, fueled by recent legislative changes, centers on a singular demand: the explicit reinstatement of “real-time” electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
The atmosphere grew more politically charged as former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi joined the crowd, standing alongside civil society leaders and concerned citizens. Despite a heavy and growing security cordon, the demonstrators remained resolute. Security agencies utilized significant barricades to seal off major access routes leading to the legislative building—a move protesters condemned as an attempt to block democratic engagement, though officials cited the need to prevent a total breakdown of law and order.
The Protest Timeline: A Rising Tide of Discontent
The #OccupyNASS movement has rapidly evolved over the last 48 hours as the Senate remains locked in emergency sessions to address the backlash:
| Day | Key Developments & Milestones |
| Day 1 (Monday, Feb 9) | Initial Mobilization: Hundreds of protesters, including the “Obedient Movement” and Peter Obi, stormed the complex. Protesters arrived with beds and supplies, signaling their intent for a long-term “occupation” until the “real-time” clause is restored. |
| Day 2 (Tuesday, Feb 10) | Political Escalation: Rotimi Amaechi and other prominent figures joined the front lines. Omoyele Sowore also arrived, as security forces tightened the perimeter with heavy barricades. Chants for “Electoral Integrity” dominated the scene. |
The Core Conflict
Organizers stress that this is a fight for the very soul of Nigerian democracy. By removing “real-time” from the bill, activists fear that lawmakers are creating a “gray zone” where results can be altered before they are uploaded. As of today, the protest remains peaceful but firm, with organizers vowing that the occupation will continue indefinitely until the Senate provides a definitive, transparent resolution to the transmission debacle.
