Rescue Nigeria Alliance
PRESS RELEASE
*2027: National Assembly’s Assault on Transparent Elections*
The Rescue Nigeria Alliance condemns in the strongest terms the decision of the National Assembly, especially the Senate to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the newly passed Electoral Act amendment bill, despite conducting a five-hour clause-by-clause review of all 155 clauses. This is a direct attack on electoral transparency, a dangerous setback for democracy, and a reckless gamble with Nigeria’s stability as the country moves toward the 2027 general elections.
Under the amendment, lawmakers have reduced the timeline for INEC to publish a notice of election from 360 to 180 days, yet refused to strengthen the most critical safeguard: compulsory real-time upload of polling-unit results. Instead, they have chosen to retain the weaker, discretionary provision on electronic transfer of results already in the law, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio tries to camouflage this retreat by claiming that “electronic transmission” was not removed, merely preserved in its old form. Nigerians asked for enforceable real-time transparency, not ambiguous language that keeps the door open for manipulation during manual collation.
We warn that in a country already bleeding from mass killings, displacement and pervasive insecurity, sabotaging electoral openness is an invitation to deeper distrust and potential unrest. Credible elections are the last peaceful rescue route; any move to dilute transparency in 2027 is an attempt to suffocate hope itself. No nation can endure when citizens are denied both security and a fair, visible process for choosing their leaders.
Accordingly, the Rescue Nigeria Alliance calls on the African Democratic Congress (ADC) structures nationwide, from the National Secretariat to states, LGAs and wards, to urgently mobilise, coordinate and work with opposition parties, civil society, labour, students, professionals and all concerned Nigerians for united, peaceful and lawful civic action. Beginning Monday, 9 February 2026, citizens of conscience are urged to peacefully assemble at and around the National Assembly, and in symbolic locations across the country, to demand:
– Mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the official results portal.
– Full protection of INEC’s independence and technology-based safeguards.
– Rejection by the Harmonisation Committee of any provisions that weaken transparency, including those now before the joint Senate-House committee.
The Harmonisation Committee-co‑chaired on the Senate side by Niyi Adegbonmire and including Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru and Simon Lalong, must know that history will hold each member personally responsible for either defending or betraying the integrity of future elections.
This is not a call to disorder. It is a call to constitutional, peaceful mass action. Nigerians should come out lawfully, carry photographs and names of citizens lost to terror and neglect as a solemn reminder of what is at stake, and insist with dignity and courage that the National Assembly uphold the will of the people, not partisan convenience.
Our message is simple and non-negotiable: Transparent, technology-backed elections in 2027 are the minimum standard. Anything less is an assault on the Republic, and Nigerians will not be silent.
Signed,
Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke
Publicity Secretary
Rescue Nigeria Alliance
