Major opposition parties in Nigeria have criticised the Senate for rejecting a provision in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which sought to make real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units mandatory. They warned that the decision could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections and compromise the country’s democratic process.
In a joint statement issued in Abuja last Wednesday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) expressed deep concern over the Senate’s action. The statement was signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong; his ADC counterpart, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi; and NNPP’s National Publicity Secretary, Bamofin Ladipo Johnson.
According to the parties, the Senate’s rejection of Clause 60 of the amendment bill, which proposed that presiding officers transmit polling unit results electronically in real time to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal, is a retrogressive step with serious national implications.
“The grave implications of this decision compel us, as spokespersons of the major opposition parties, to jointly address this issue, which threatens to derail our hard-earned democracy,” the statement said.
Senate Cites Logistical Challenges
During deliberations, lawmakers opposing the clause cited network limitations and logistical difficulties in certain parts of the country as reasons for rejecting the mandatory provision. Instead, the Senate retained the existing section of the Electoral Act 2022, which allows INEC to determine the manner and timing of electronic transmission of results.
The opposition parties, however, questioned the rationale behind the ruling All Progressives Congress’ (APC) resistance to the measure, noting that the party has successfully employed digital technology for internal processes, including e-registration of members nationwide.
“We are at a loss as to why a party deploying technology for internal party management is averse to using it to transmit election results,” the statement said, adding that the ruling party appears intent on preserving weaknesses in the electoral system that could be exploited during elections.
“They know Nigerians are fed up and are aware of the rejection that awaits them at the polls. A free and fair election has therefore become a threat to them,” the statement added.
Call for Legislative Responsibility
The opposition criticised senators for allowing partisan interests to override national interest, arguing that the legislature should act in the best interest of the nation. They highlighted that previous court rulings indicated electronic transmission of results is not expressly mandated under the Electoral Act 2022, and that the current amendment process offered an opportunity to correct this gap.
Conference Committee Urged to Uphold House Position
The parties also urged the conference committee of the National Assembly, tasked with reconciling the House of Representatives and Senate versions of the bill, to adopt the House’s position, which supports mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results.
“The ball is now in the court of the conference committee, and we strongly urge its members to align themselves with the Nigerian people,” the statement concluded.
The opposition’s reaction signals mounting tensions as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with digital transparency measures emerging as a key point of contention in the ongoing electoral reform debate.
