Tension over proposed changes to Nigeria’s electoral framework deepened on Monday as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room demanded the immediate adoption of unconditional electronic transmission of results in the amendment to the Electoral Act, warning that any dilution of the reform could erode public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
At a protest held at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, the coalition accused the Senate of weakening critical safeguards in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025 by introducing what it described as “conditional transmission” of results.
Addressing demonstrators, Co-Convener of the Situation Room and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said Nigerians were demanding a clear, mandatory provision compelling real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units without exceptions.
“Our future is in our hands because we voted for these representatives. On behalf of Nigerians, we are stating unequivocally that electronic transmission of results must be mandatory and without conditions,” Mamedu declared.
The coalition argued that the Senate’s version departs from earlier understandings reached during consultations between stakeholders and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, warning that discretionary clauses could create legal ambiguities exploitable during elections.
Specifically, the group urged the conference committee reconciling the Senate and House versions of the bill to adopt the House of Representatives’ position making real-time electronic transmission from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory.
According to the protesters, anything short of mandatory transmission risks reopening controversies that trailed previous elections and could undermine voter confidence in the electoral system.
They also called for the retention of the 360-day election notice timeline contained in earlier drafts of the amendment, stressing that predictable timelines are essential for planning, voter education and logistics.
In a letter presented to lawmakers, the coalition stated: “Instead of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, the Senate amendment weakens key safeguards necessary for credibility and public trust.”
On concerns about network coverage and technical feasibility, the group insisted that real-time transmission is achievable, citing high transmission rates recorded during off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states.
It dismissed claims that connectivity gaps would cripple the system, noting that areas without network access constitute only a small fraction of polling units nationwide. The coalition explained that results are collated at polling units before upload and that the system can securely store data offline and transmit automatically once network access is restored.
Civil society organisations also faulted remarks attributed to the Senate President questioning the practicality of real-time transmission, maintaining that the necessary infrastructure and technology are already in place.
At the rally, women’s advocacy groups broadened the protest, calling for expedited passage of the special seats bill for women as part of ongoing constitutional amendments, arguing that electoral integrity must align with inclusive representation.
Responding on behalf of the House of Representatives, spokesperson Akin Rotimi assured protesters that their concerns would be conveyed to the chamber’s leadership. He noted that the Speaker supports the amendment and that the Deputy Speaker is among its sponsors.
Rotimi described the low representation of women in the legislature as a “serious injustice” and pledged that constitutional amendment proposals, including provisions for reserved seats for women, would be subjected to electronic voting.
Despite the assurances, the Situation Room vowed to sustain advocacy until a final version of the bill guarantees compulsory, real-time electronic transmission of results and restores what it described as the “spirit of reform” demanded by Nigerians.
“This is about protecting the people’s mandate,” the protesters said. “We will not relent until the law reflects the will of the citizens.”
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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