Civil Society Mounts Pressure on Senate Over ‘Conditional’ E-Transmission Clause

Pressure intensified on Nigeria’s National Assembly on Monday as the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room demanded the immediate adoption of unconditional electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2025, warning that any dilution of the reform could undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.

At a protest held at the entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja, the coalition accused the Senate of weakening key safeguards in the bill by introducing what it described as a “conditional transmission” clause.

Addressing protesters, Co-Convener of the Situation Room and Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said Nigerians were demanding a clear and mandatory provision that compels real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units without exceptions.

“Our future is in our hands because we voted for these representatives. On behalf of Nigerians, we are stating unequivocally that electronic transmission of results must be mandatory and without conditions,” Mamedu said.

The coalition argued that the Senate’s version of the bill departs from agreements reached during consultations with stakeholders and the Joint National Assembly Committee on Electoral Matters, warning that discretionary clauses could create legal ambiguities and opportunities for manipulation during elections.

They urged the conference committee reconciling the Senate and House versions of the bill to adopt the House of Representatives’ position, which makes real-time electronic transmission from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal compulsory.

According to the protesters, anything short of mandatory transmission risks reopening controversies that trailed previous elections and could erode voter confidence in the electoral process.

The group also called for the retention of the 360-day election notice timeline contained in earlier drafts of the amendment, stressing that predictable timelines are critical for planning, voter education and logistics.

In a letter presented to lawmakers, the coalition stated: “Instead of strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework, the Senate amendment weakens key safeguards necessary for credibility and public trust.”

Addressing concerns about network coverage and technical feasibility, the group insisted that real-time transmission is achievable, citing off-cycle governorship elections in Imo, Kogi and Bayelsa states where high transmission rates were recorded.

They dismissed claims that connectivity gaps would cripple the system, noting that areas without network access make up only a small fraction of polling units nationwide. The coalition explained that results are first collated at polling units and can be securely stored for automatic upload once network access is restored.

Civil society groups also faulted remarks attributed to the Senate President questioning the practicality of real-time transmission, insisting that the required infrastructure and technology are already in place.

Women’s advocacy organisations at the rally broadened the protest, calling for the expedited passage of the special seats bill for women as part of ongoing constitutional amendments, arguing that electoral integrity must go hand in hand with inclusive representation.

Responding on behalf of the House of Representatives, spokesperson Akin Rotimi assured protesters that their concerns would be conveyed to the leadership of the chamber, noting that the Speaker supports the amendment while the Deputy Speaker is among its sponsors.

Rotimi described the low representation of women in the legislature as a “serious injustice” and pledged that constitutional amendment proposals, including reserved seats for women, would be subjected to electronic voting.

Despite the assurances, the Situation Room vowed to sustain its advocacy until the final version of the bill guarantees compulsory, real-time electronic transmission of results and restores what it described as the “spirit of reform” demanded by Nigerians.

“This is about protecting the people’s mandate,” the protesters said. “We will not relent until the law reflects the will of the citizens.”