Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened a nationwide boycott of the 2027 general elections and subsequent polls if the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act fails to clearly mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The labour centre expressed deep concern over what it described as confusion, contradictions, and a lack of transparency surrounding the Senate’s handling of amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly provisions relating to electronic transmission of results.
According to the NLC, the prevailing ambiguity raises serious questions about the credibility of the 2027 elections and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and obtained by Ikengaonline.
“NLC expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results,” the statement read.
“This lack of clarity undermines public trust and is deeply troubling for our democracy. The Nigerian people deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted.”
The labour union called on the Senate to immediately provide an official, clear, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions on the amendment.
It noted that public records indicate that the proposed amendment seeking to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit election results electronically in real time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained.
According to the NLC, this development has generated widespread public apprehension, while subsequent explanations from the Senate have only deepened the confusion.
“At this critical juncture, following the 2023 general elections, such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that caused national distress,” the statement warned.
The NLC further demanded that the leadership of the National Assembly ensure that the harmonisation process produces a final bill with clear and unambiguous provisions on the electronic transmission and collation of results.
“The amended Act must provide a clear and compulsory mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time. The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion,” it stated.
The labour body cautioned that Nigerian workers and citizens were closely monitoring developments, stressing that it would not stand by while public trust in the electoral system is eroded.
“Failure to mandate real-time electronic transmission of results will lead to mass action before, during, and after the elections, or a total boycott of the polls,” the NLC warned.
“Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We must avoid a repeat of the confusion that trailed previous elections.
“A people united can never be defeated. Workers united can never be defeated!”
