Opposition party warns Nigeria risks credibility issues ahead of 2027 elections as senators reject compulsory real-time result transmission.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the Nigerian Senate for rejecting a proposed amendment to the Electoral Act 2026 that would have made real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results mandatory.
ADC officials warned that the Senate’s decision undermines transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process, raising concerns about potential manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While passing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Senate retained provisions allowing results to be transmitted as prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), without legally binding the commission to enforce electronic uploads from polling units in real time.
ADC described the move as a setback for electoral integrity, stressing that mandatory electronic transmission is crucial to preventing fraud and ensuring credible election outcomes.
Other political actors have expressed concerns. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) criticized the Senate for potentially jeopardizing free and fair elections, while the Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) urged the National Assembly to adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the amendment, which explicitly mandates real-time electronic result transmission.
Some senators maintain that electronic transmission has not been completely abandoned, noting that INEC still has the authority to determine the method of result transmission. However, critics argue that without a legally binding, technology-driven framework, Nigeria risks repeating past election credibility challenges.
As preparations for the 2027 polls continue, opposition parties, civil society, and election observers are closely monitoring the National Assembly, emphasizing the need for transparent, secure, and accountable election results management.
