Mixed reactions have continued to trail the recent amendment of Nigeria’s Electoral Act following its passage by the National Assembly and assent by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The amended law, which updates the Electoral Act 2022, has generated public debate, particularly over provisions addressing the transmission of election results. While the Act allows electronic transmission, it also permits manual transmission in cases where network connectivity fails — a clause that has drawn both criticism and support.
Speaking after signing the bill into law on Wednesday, President Tinubu said he had carefully followed deliberations at the National Assembly before granting assent, describing the amendment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
However, several residents and political observers in Port Harcourt expressed concern that allowing manual transmission under certain conditions could weaken electoral transparency.
A civil society advocate, Mr. James Nko-Tariah, said Nigerians had expected stronger safeguards to protect the integrity of their votes.
“There is likely going to be irregularities if the process is not properly handled. I am not comfortable with the provision as it stands. Only full electronic transmission can truly guarantee credible elections,” he said.
Mrs. Gift Eze, another resident, described the President’s assent as hasty, arguing that broader public consultation should have preceded the decision.
“I wish the President had listened more carefully to the concerns of Nigerians before signing the bill into law. While I do not support unrest, citizens have the right to demand transparency and accountability,” she stated.
At Mile 3 Market, trader Mr. Samuel Brown emphasised that the electoral process must reflect the genuine will of the people.
“Authorities should allow people’s votes to speak for them. Elections should not be about technical loopholes that can be exploited,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Chinedu Dikeh, a university lecturer, warned that the manual transmission clause could create room for abuse if not strictly monitored.
“Our concern is the provision mandating manual transmission in the event of network failure. While contingency measures are understandable, adequate safeguards must be put in place to prevent manipulation,” he noted, urging citizens to remain vigilant in defending democratic principles.
Despite the criticisms, some residents supported the inclusion of a fallback option. Miss Adaobi Nwankwo, a youth corps member, said the realities of poor telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas cannot be ignored.
“We know there are network challenges in many parts of the country. What is important is ensuring that any manual process is transparent, properly documented and subject to verification,” she said.
The debate underscores lingering concerns about electoral credibility in Nigeria, with many citizens insisting that full electronic transmission remains the most reliable path to transparency. Observers say the effectiveness of the amended law will ultimately depend on strict implementation, technological preparedness and sustained public oversight.
By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane, Port Harcourt
