Amaechi appeared at the demonstration alongside his son, as civil society groups and opposition figures continued a second day of protests against the legislature’s stance, which critics say could undermine the credibility of future elections.
Security was tightened around the National Assembly complex, with operatives of the Nigeria Police Force barricading major access roads ahead of an emergency plenary session of the Senate.
The heavy security presence forced protesters to gather some distance away from the complex, though the demonstration remained largely peaceful.
Speaking to journalists at the protest ground, Amaechi said he brought his son along to underscore his belief that political leaders should stand visibly with citizens during moments of national importance.
He added that leaders should be prepared to share the risks faced by ordinary Nigerians when demanding accountability.
The former governor accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of opposing electronic transmission of results out of fear of electoral defeat. He argued that the party’s resistance contradicted its repeated claims of widespread political dominance across the country.
“I believe that the opposition parties should come out PDP, ADC, everybody to protest against the attempt by one party,” Amaechi said.
“If we come out and they say the opposition has hijacked the protest, what is APC doing? Are they not hijacking? What are they afraid of?” He quereid.
Amaechi questioned why a party that boasts of controlling a majority of states and attracting high-profile defections would resist a reform widely viewed as a safeguard against electoral manipulation.
He added that transparent elections were in the long-term interest of Nigeria’s democracy, regardless of which party was in power.
He further warned that the agitation would not subside quickly, saying opposition parties and civil society organisations would continue to press their demands even if the Senate leadership and the presidency chose to ignore public pressure.
“Tinubu is not Jonathan,” Amaechi said, suggesting that electoral legitimacy, rather than political strength, should be the ultimate measure of governance.
“The only way a good politician will know he has done well is by the people”, he said.
The protest was initiated by human rights activist Aisha Yesufu, alongside several civil society organisations, which began mobilising demonstrators on Monday following the Senate’s decision. The groups argue that rejecting real-time electronic transmission weakens electoral reforms introduced after years of disputed polls.
On Monday, Peter Obi, the former Labour Party presidential candidate, led the initial protest, calling on lawmakers to prioritise public confidence in the electoral process.
