By Ikechukwu Nnochiri<\/p>\n
ABUJA\u2013 A coalition of over 70 civil society organizations (CSOs) advocating for credible elections, on Friday, insisted on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of 2027 general election results.<\/p>\n
The CSOs, which operate via the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, flayed what they described as the Senate\u2019s passage of a retrogressive version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.<\/p>\n
According to the group, rather than strengthening the country\u2019s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 poll, \u201cthe Senate\u2019s amendments weaken critical safeguards for transparency, credibility, and public trust in elections.\u201d<\/p>\n
They urged the Conference Committee of the National Assembly to retain progressive provisions agreed by the Joint Committees, particularly real-time electronic transmission of results and realistic electoral timelines.<\/p>\n
The statement, which was made available to Vanguard, read: \u201cThe Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room expresses grave concern and profound disappointment over the passage by the Senate of a watered-down and retrogressive version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe version passed by the Senate substantially departs from the progressive reforms agreed by the Joint National Assembly Committees on Electoral Matters after extensive consultations with stakeholders.<\/p>\n
\u201cRather than strengthening Nigeria\u2019s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Senate\u2019s amendments weaken critical safeguards for transparency, credibility, and public trust in elections.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf particular concern is the Senate\u2019s removal of provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to INEC\u2019s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).<\/p>\n
\u201cThis reform enjoys broad public support and is widely recognised as essential to reducing manipulation, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in the electoral process.<\/p>\n
\u201cBy making electronic transmission discretionary, the Senate has reopened loopholes that Nigeria\u2019s electoral reforms were designed to close.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis decision directly contradicts the position of the House of Representatives, which explicitly approved mandatory real-time transmission during its clause-by-clause consideration of the Bill.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also a troubling retreat from lessons learned during the 2023 General Elections, where the absence of mandatory real-time transmission contributed significantly to disputes, litigation, and widespread public mistrust of election outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cEqually disturbing is the Senate\u2019s decision to reduce the timeline for the issuance of the Notice of Elections from 360 days to 180 days before polling day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe existing timeline under the Electoral Act 2022 was carefully crafted to provide INEC with sufficient lead time for voter registration activities, logistics planning, training and deployment of ad-hoc staff, voter education, and procurement.<\/p>\n
\u201cHalving this period will severely constrain preparations, increase operational risks, and heighten the likelihood of avoidable failures.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompressed timelines will also negatively affect political parties by squeezing their internal processes, escalating disputes over primaries and nominations, and triggering increased pre-election litigation\u2014further destabilising the electoral calendar.<\/p>\n
\u201cSituation Room finds it particularly disturbing that these retrogressive amendments were introduced despite sustained civic engagement.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn 28 January 2026, Situation Room led a peaceful protest at the National Assembly, calling for the passage of the Bill in the form agreed by the Joint Committees. The Senate\u2019s action reflects a troubling disregard for citizen advocacy and stakeholder consensus.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the constitution of a Conference (Harmonisation) Committee is a recognised legislative procedure, it must not become a channel for further weakening electoral reforms. The harmonisation process presents a final opportunity to protect the integrity of Nigeria\u2019s electoral system.<\/p>\n
\u201cSituation Room, therefore, calls on the Conference Committee to retain the progressive provisions agreed by the Joint Committees, particularly mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results and realistic electoral timelines.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe also urge the leadership of the National Assembly to demonstrate statesmanship and ensure that the final Bill strengthens\u2014rather than undermines\u2014Nigeria\u2019s democracy,\u201d the statement, which was jointly signed by the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mr. Yunusa Z. Ya\u2019u, and the two Co-Conveners, Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, further read.<\/p>\n
Organizations in the coalition include Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), CLEEN Foundation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), and Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD).
\nThe post 2027 Elections: 70 CSOs insist on real-time electronic transmission of votes appeared first on Vanguard News.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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