Ezekwesili to Senate on electoral reforms: Stop playing with fire

•Nigerians outraged, say Senate’s action a betrayal of public trust
•70 CSOs, others insist on real-time electronic transmission of election results

By Dapo Akinrefon; Omeiza Ajayi; Godwin Oritse & Ikechukwu Nnochiri

Nigerians rose in unison yesterday condemning the Senate for rejecting a proposed amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 which sought to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory. The Senate passed the Bill last Wednesday after the third reading.

Expressing grave disappointment and outrage, Nigerians wondered why their senators were afraid of transparency. They therefore insisted on real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Stop playing with fire, Ezekwesili tells Senate

In her reaction, former World Bank Vice President, Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili, warns the Nigerian Senate against retaining ambiguities in the Electoral Act. Speaking on Arise TV Morning Show programme yesterday, Dr Ezekwesili said, “the fundamental issue is that the Senate retained Section 60, subsection 5 of the 2022 Act, which became infamous for the loophole it provided. It allowed INEC to fail the young people of this country who were promised that results would be uploaded to the Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time.

When they failed to do that in 2023, it became the basis for doubting everything that happened at polling units. The opportunity for reform was seen by citizens as one that must not be missed to remove every ambiguity and loophole. If the Senate decides to “let sleeping dogs lie,” citizens have every reason to be outraged. When citizens say that the 2023 experience eroded their confidence and ask to change a vexing provision, the government must listen. The majority of this country is asking for the real-time upload of results. If citizens disavow democracy because they feel their voices don’t matter, those in power should be very worried.

It is as if the political class, exemplified by the Senate, wakes up and asks, “What shall we do today to upset Nigerians?” It is entirely necessary for citizens to know they are acting within their rights. These senators cannot run Nigeria as though it were their fiefdom. I’m recommending that the Senators should immediately cancel their two-week emergency vacation and reconstitute to pass the clear text of that provision. The text is unambiguous: “The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the INEC results viewing portal (IReV) in real time.” This must be done after the EC8A form is signed and stamped. The Senators know how to walk away from this disaster. Transparency is better than the fire they are playing with”.

70 CSOs insist on real-time electronic transmission of results

A coalition of over 70 civil society organizations (CSOs) advocating for credible elections, on Friday, also 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 statement, which was jointly signed by the Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mr. Yunusa Z. Ya’u, and the two Co-Conveners, Mma Odi and Celestine Odo, read: “The 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.

“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.

“By making electronic transmission discretionary, the Senate has reopened loopholes that Nigeria’s electoral reforms were designed to close. This 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.

“It 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. Equally disturbing is the Senate’s decision to reduce the timeline for the issuance of the Notice of Elections from 360 days to 180 days before polling day.

The Situation Room finds it particularly disturbing that these retrogressive amendments were introduced despite sustained civic engagement. The Senate’s action reflects a troubling disregard for citizen advocacy and stakeholder consensus.

“While 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’s electoral system.

“Situation 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. We also urge the leadership of the National Assembly to demonstrate statesmanship and ensure that the final Bill strengthens—rather than undermines—Nigeria’s democracy”.

It’s rejection of transparency, accountability — Osuntokun

For Mr Akin Osuntokun, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, the decision of the Senate to shoot down the mandatory electronic transmission of election results lacks logic. Osuntokun, who noted that the decision of the Senate was a rejection of transparency and accountability, said: “In essence, this is a reversal of the much trumpeted BVAS and IREV on which Nigeria frittered hundreds of billions.

The question arises, what was the logic behind the introduction of these instruments in the first place. If I recall correctly, these two innovations were directed at eliminating the practice of manual distortions and rigging of election results.

“The lessons we learned from the last general elections was that these instruments indeed have the capacity to preclude rigging and the alteration of results. At the court proceedings, following the 2023 presidential election, the main argument of the INEC in cahoots with the APC, was that the electoral tribunal should discountenance BVAS and IREV in authenticating the results declared by the INEC. “So, the Senate is acting on the basis of the experience garnered from the last election that the electronic transmission of results is not amenable to rigging.

So the logic behind the decision of the Senate is that they don’t want any intervention that can drastically shrink the threshold of rigging the forthcoming elections. It is a rejection of transparency and accountability.”

It may undermine democracy, compromise 2027 Polls — Galadima

On his part, a chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Alhaji Buba Galadima, who criticised key amendments in the Electoral Act 2026, warned that the new law could weaken Nigeria’s democratic process and compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Galadima faulted the reduction of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) preparation timeline, describing the provision as impractical and likely to create confusion during elections.

According to him, even the previous 360-day preparation window proved challenging for the electoral body, making any further reduction unrealistic and potentially disruptive.

He also tackled the National Assembly for retaining INEC’s discretionary authority over electronic transmission of election results, arguing that such flexibility could be exploited.

He alleged that leaving the decision solely to INEC opens the process to manipulation, noting that the commission’s leadership is appointed by the executive arm of government, thereby exposing it to political influence. The NNPP stalwart further accused lawmakers of prioritising personal and political interests over national progress while passing the amended law.

He argued that instead of improving on previous electoral legislation, the new law represents a step backward and should have retained the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.

Expressing doubts about INEC’s independence, Galadima claimed the commission lacks sufficient institutional strength to resist political pressure, raising concerns about its performance in future elections. Galadima insisted that modern technological solutions make seamless electronic processes achievable if the political will exists.

It’s a dangerous setback to our democratic devt—CDHR

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, in a statement by its National President, Mr Yinka Folarin, and National Publicity Secretary, Mr Adewunmi N. Adesina, said the Senate decision amounted to a “deliberate attempt to perpetuate electoral rigging” and weaken transparency in the electoral process.

According to CDHR, the rejection undermines years of advocacy and reform efforts aimed at strengthening the credibility of elections, especially at a time when Nigerians are demanding deeper electoral reforms to restore confidence in democratic institutions. The implications of this decision are severe,” the group stated, warning that it increases the risk of manipulation of election results, erodes public trust in governance, and stalls the country’s progress towards credible and accountable elections.

The organisation also accused the Senate leadership of betraying public expectations, insisting that the National Assembly should be consolidating democracy rather than reversing hard-won gains.

“The Akpabio-led Senate should beware of the wrath of the masses,” CDHR warned, while urging lawmakers to immediately reverse what it described as an “unpatriotic decision.”

The group further called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue to demand reforms that promote transparency and accountability in the electoral system.

Senate’s decision is self-serving towards one party state —Afenifere

The pan Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, in a statement by its Leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary, Prince Justice Faloye, described the Senate’s decision as a betrayal of constitutionalism and multiparty democracy. According to Afenifere, “This is tantamount to a betrayal of constitutionalism and multiparty democracy, as it prioritizes political incumbency over democratic integrity. This decision is obviously self-serving and a move towards one party state, teleguided by the executive as witnessed over the years in Lagos State. It is an assault on national conscience.

Afenifere is astounded by the Nigerian Senate decision to reject key amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, including mandatory electronic transmission of results and downloadable electronic voters’ cards with QR codes. This move, ahead of the 2027 elections, perpetuates manual processes prone to manipulation and undermining electoral credibility. By retaining discretionary language that allows INEC to “prescribe the manner” of transfer, the Senate preserves the ability to rig through manual collation loopholes that have historically enabled result manipulation and post-election disputes.

“While the Senate claims electronic transmission is “still allowed” under existing law, the Supreme Court previously ruled that such transmission is not mandatory because it is not explicitly provided for in the Electoral Act 2022. By refusing to codify it as a legal requirement in the 2026 Bill, the Senate intentionally leaves the process vulnerable to administrative “glitches” or selective non-compliance, undermining the spirit of the Nigerian Constitution’s call for free and fair elections.

“Section 78 of the 1999 Constitution empowers the National Assembly to legislate for credible federal elections. Unfortunately, the Senate has subverted the mandatory transparency by rejecting an amendment to Clause 60(3) which would have legally compelled INEC to transmit results from polling units to the IReV portal in real-time. By rejecting mandatory electronic transmission, the Senate fails to advance constitutional imperatives for fair elections, allowing potential interference that contravene the spirit of democratic governance and equal suffrage under Sections 117-119.

“Afenifere calls on the Joint committee setup to harmonize the different House of Representatives and Senate versions, to let democracy survive by accepting mandatory real time electronic transmission of election results from polling booths to iRev. Otherwise the legislature will be sending clear signals that it is not yet ready to fully embrace a credible, technology-driven electoral framework for the 2027 General Elections. Afenifere cautions that care has to be taken not to completely lose peoples trust in the current democratic disposition. Let democracy breathe.”

Two youth groups, Connected Advocacy and the Youth Electoral Reform Project (YERP) have also slammed the Senate for rejecting the mandatory transmission of election results, calling the action a historic betrayal of public trust.

In a joint statement, Prince Israel Orekha, Executive Director of Connected Advocacy and Coordinator of YERP-Naija South-South, said Nigerians are deeply troubled by the Senate’s rejection of the Electoral Act amendment on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a betrayal that must be corrected. The amendment was passed by the House of Representatives in December 2025 to strengthen transparency and accountability.

According to Orekha, mandatory real-time transmission of election results remains the top electoral reform demand of youths and citizens in the South-South and across Nigeria.

Orekha said: “We know this first-hand because the YERP-Naija Campaign consulted youth in all 36 states of the federation and the FCT through surveys and face to face e engagements, and attended all of the public hearings by the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, and the Senate and House Constitutional Review Committees. Nigerian youth and other citizens spoke out during all of these fora in clear and unmistakable terms, saying “Give Us Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Election Results in Real-Time” to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

“How did we get here? We arrived at this point following widespread dissatisfaction with the conduct of the 2023 general elections, during which the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to electronically transmit presidential election results in real time, despite being partially empowered to do so under the 2022 Electoral Act and, more specifically, its own guidelines.

He noted that subsequent judgements by election petitions tribunals and appellate courts held that because real-time electronic transmission of election results was not expressly provided for in the 2022 Electoral Act but only contained in INEC guidelines, it could not be relied upon in determining whether elections complied with the law. According to him, this position pushed many Nigerians to simply say, “Then put it in the law.”

“This request was loudly communicated across the country by youth and others. We believe that is why the House of Representatives passed it in December, 2025. South-south youth and others across Nigeria feel deeply betrayed by the position of the National Assembly to retain the vague 2022 Electoral Act provision that simply says it is up to INEC to determine ways to “transfer” election results. It is worthy to note that giving such powers to an electoral body that does not currently inspire public confidence, could lead to greater public mistrust and apathy.

“We call on youth across the south-south and Nigeria at large to reach out to their legislators on the importance of including the Mandatory Transmission of Election Results in Real-Time, as passed by the House of Representatives, in the Electoral Act

“We call on our Senators and members of the House of Representatives here in Edo state, across the South-South and Nigeria at large, to stand with their constituents. Standing with their constituents means voting for the Mandatory Transmission of Election Results in Real-Time as earlier passed by the House of Representatives.

“Specifically, we call on the Conference Committee set up by both chambers of the National Assembly to harmonize the versions of the Electoral Act separately passed by both chambers, to retain the Mandatory Transmission of Election Results in Real-Time as passed by the House in December 2025.

“We call on eminent Nigerians, statesmen and women, the clergy, traditional rulers, political parties, and scholars to add their voices to our call for genuine electoral reforms, especially including Mandatory Transmission of Election Results in Real-Time, as passed by the House in the Electoral Act.” Orekha stated

Senate did well in rejecting electronic transmission of results —Bewaji

Meanwhile, a former Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Dr Wumi Bewaji, threw his weight behind the Senate for rejecting the electronic transmission of results, saying it has not been tested anywhere before.

Dr Bewaji, who heads the Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reforms, CODER, said: “The consequences of mandatory live transmission are grave. Firstly, it has not been tested anywhere before.

“Even the U.S electronic voting system is fully backed up by paper trail just in case something goes wrong. Secondly, an electronic live transmission is easily susceptible to hacking and other forms of electronic manipulations. The entire country will be thrown into panic and instability and uncertainty should the results suddenly disappear on the portal or remote systems gain access and control of the portal.

“There are unpatriotic elements waiting to mock this country and celebrate any ensuing pandemonium or anarchy in the name of politics. Thirdly, the rejection is only limited to the mandatory part, not the electronic transmission itself which INEC can do subject to its own independent overriding judgement and discretion after taking all relevant factors into consideration.

“Again, mode of transmission of results does not in any way guarantee the success or failure of any particular candidate, unless some people somewhere are plotting some criminal schemes to sabotage our democracy and electoral system. The Senate did well in rejecting the game of political brinkmanship orchestrated by the sponsors of the ill-conceived agenda. There is no other country I know of that conducts every election with brand new laws. The charade must stop.”

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