Our Reporter, Abuja
A civil rights organisation, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), has accused the Nigerian Senate of undermining the country’s democracy following its passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, without making electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the Senate’s decision as a “deliberate weakening of electoral safeguards” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the group, the rejection of compulsory electronic transmission of results, alongside amendments that compress electoral timelines and limit voter access to digital tools, represents a rollback of democratic gains achieved through years of electoral reforms and civic advocacy.
Nwanguma argued that electronic transmission of results from polling units remains one of the most effective measures for reducing ballot snatching, result manipulation and post-election disputes. He said retaining discretionary powers for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on how results are transmitted leaves room for abuse and manipulation.
The organisation also expressed concern over the reduction of timelines for election preparation and candidate disclosure, warning that shorter timelines could increase logistical challenges, weaken transparency and advantage political actors familiar with exploiting gaps in the system.
RULAAC noted that the Senate’s position contrasts with what it described as a more reform-minded stance taken by the House of Representatives during consideration of the bill. The group alleged that the Senate’s version of the legislation appeared to prioritise the preferences of its leadership over broader public interest.
The organisation warned that the amendments could further erode public trust in the electoral process at a time when voter apathy is rising and confidence in democratic institutions is declining, particularly among young Nigerians.
Calling for urgent action, RULAAC urged civil society organisations, youth groups, labour unions, professional bodies and religious leaders to mobilise against what it termed “regressive provisions” in the bill. It specifically appealed to the conference committee of the National Assembly to reject the Senate’s position and restore provisions that would strengthen electoral credibility.
“Democracy is defended by citizens, not gifted by politicians,” Nwanguma said, warning that failure to resist the changes could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections and the value of citizens’ votes.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, is expected to undergo harmonisation between the Senate and the House of Representatives before being transmitted to the President for assent.
