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By Oscar Okhifo
Imo Akpan, a federal commissioner with the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), has sparked outrage after mocking protesters who marched to the National Assembly on Monday demanding legal backing for real-time electronic transmission of election results.
His comment, made on Facebook and X platforms in Pidgin English, ridiculed the demonstrators’ efforts and was later deleted.
The protesters, drawn from civil society organisations and pro-democracy groups, marched to the National Assembly in Abuja demanding that lawmakers explicitly mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results in the now-amended Electoral Act.
They argued that the move was essential to ensure transparency and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Some demonstrators carried mattresses and pillows, a symbolic gesture showing their readiness to stay at the assembly until their demands were addressed.
Social media photos of the rally quickly circulated, drawing national attention to the protest.
In response, Mr. Akpan mocked the demonstrators on social media, writing in Pidgin English:
“Sleep no catch anybody for dia. They got up in minutes. Sunshine for Abuja no get time for protesters.” The comment was later deleted, and the commissioner denied posting it, describing the screenshot circulating online as “strange.”
The protest followed controversy over changes made by the Senate to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, particularly the removal of the phrase “real-time” from clauses relating to electronic transmission of election results.
Critics warned that the absence of explicit legal backing could undermine the credibility of future elections.
Demonstrators carried placards with slogans such as “Our Votes Must Count” “No to Electoral Manipulation,” “Akpabio pass the bill!” “Senators, Stop being anti Nigerians,” insisting that technological transparency is critical to free and fair elections.
With the Senate having sealed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the streets are currently emptied of protesters. However, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians not to let the lawmakers’ decision stand unchecked, insisting that the will of the people, rather than the preferences of senators, should prevail.
It remains to be seen whether fresh demonstrations will erupt in response to the outcome.