A coalition of more than 70 civil society groups working for credible elections has renewed its call for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results in the 2027 general elections. The organisations, operating under the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, criticised the Senate’s passage of what they called a weakened and backward version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
They argued that instead of reinforcing Nigeria’s electoral architecture ahead of 2027, the Senate’s amendments remove essential protections that support transparency, credibility, and public confidence. They urged the National Assembly Conference Committee to uphold the progressive provisions earlier agreed upon by the Joint Committees, especially compulsory electronic transmission of results and practical electoral timelines.
In a statement released to Vanguard, the coalition expressed deep concern over what it described as a significant step backward. It said the version passed by the Senate deviates sharply from the reforms earlier endorsed by the Joint Committees after broad consultations with stakeholders.
The coalition noted that the Senate’s removal of mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal represents a major setback. They stressed that this particular reform enjoys wide public support and is regarded as a key safeguard against manipulation while boosting transparency and public trust. Making transmission optional, they warned, reopens weaknesses that previous reforms sought to eliminate.
They added that the Senate’s move contradicts the firm position of the House of Representatives, which approved compulsory transmission while reviewing the Bill clause by clause. They also pointed out that the Senate’s decision ignores lessons from the 2023 elections, where the lack of mandatory electronic transmission fuelled disputes, court cases, and widespread distrust.
The coalition further criticised the Senate’s decision to reduce the notice of election period from 360 days to 180 days. They explained that the existing timeline under the Electoral Act 2022 was designed to give INEC enough time for voter registration, logistics planning, ad hoc staff recruitment and training, voter education, and procurement. According to the coalition, cutting this period in half will compress critical processes, increase the risk of operational failures, and complicate party primaries, which may lead to more legal disputes and disruptions to the electoral calendar.
They described the amendments as even more troubling given the level of civic engagement that preceded them. They recalled that on 28 January 2026, the Situation Room led a peaceful demonstration at the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to pass the version earlier agreed by the Joint Committees. The Senate’s action, they said, shows a worrying disregard for citizen advocacy.
The coalition stated that the harmonisation stage should not be used to dilute reforms further. Instead, it should be seen as the final chance to reinforce electoral integrity. They called on the Conference Committee to preserve key reforms, particularly compulsory real-time transmission and workable timelines. They also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to act with responsibility and ensure that the final law strengthens Nigeria’s democratic process.
The statement was jointly signed by the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, along with Co Conveners Mma Odi and Celestine Odo. Member organisations include Action Aid Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development, Centre for Democracy and Development, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, CLEEN Foundation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, and the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability.
