Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has publicly commended former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for joining the #OccupyNASS protest against the recently amended Electoral Act, even as the two figures remain embroiled in a high-stakes legal dispute.

Speaking on Monday, Adeyanju said Obi’s presence at the National Assembly demonstration in Abuja—sparked by the Senate’s decision not to explicitly mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act—was a much-needed stand against what he described as “an anti-people law and a major hindrance to true electoral reform in Nigeria.”

Obi joined civil society groups, youth activists and members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at the protest, where demonstrators urged lawmakers to strengthen provisions for electronic transmission to prevent errors and manipulation that marred past elections.

The ongoing #OccupyNASS protest added significance as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with concerns growing over the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. Organisers have insisted that a robust electronic transmission clause in the law is critical to restoring public trust in election outcomes.

Adeyanju’s praise for Obi’s leadership at the protest comes against the backdrop of an ongoing defamation lawsuit filed by Obi against the activist. In October 2025, Obi dragged Adeyanju to court in Anambra State, seeking ₦1.5 billion in damages for a series of statements published on social media that his legal team described as false, malicious and injurious to his reputation.

The suit alleges that Adeyanju labelled Obi a “religious bigot,” “fraud,” “political prostitute” and “leader of a mob,” among other derogatory terms, and seeks an injunction ordering retraction of the posts and a public apology.

Adeyanju has openly rejected calls to retract his statements, framing the lawsuit as part of a broader debate about political accountability and freedom of expression. In August 2025, he publicly welcomed the legal action, vowing to “meet him in court” and defending his right to criticise political figures.

The dispute has highlighted wider tensions in Nigeria’s political culture, especially the thin line between robust criticism and alleged defamation in an era where social media shapes public perception and political narratives. Supporters of Obi argue that unchecked falsehoods can damage reputations unfairly, while critics of Obi’s legal strategy say public office holders must tolerate scrutiny and dissent.

At the #OccupyNASS protest, Obi emphasised that credible elections are fundamental to democratic stability and urged the National Assembly to revisit the contentious provisions of the amended Electoral Act. His critics, including some within civil society, have welcomed his vocal stance but argue that meaningful reform must go beyond symbolic appearances and produce tangible legislative change.

Adeyanju, meanwhile, reiterated his call for all leaders to actively oppose laws he believes undermine democratic principles, reinforcing his support for electoral reforms that prioritise transparency and accountability. (Nigerian Tribune)

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