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.
The CSOs, which operate via the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, flayed what they described as the Senate’s passage of a retrogressive version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.
According to the group, rather than strengthening the country’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 poll, “the Senate’s amendments weaken critical safeguards for transparency, credibility, and public trust in elections.”
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.
“The 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.
“Rather than strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the Senate’s amendments weaken critical safeguards for transparency, credibility, and public trust in elections.
“Of particular concern is the Senate’s removal of provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
“This reform enjoys broad public support and is widely recognised as essential to reducing manipulation, enhancing transparency, and restoring confidence in the electoral process.