Civil society groups and opposition parties are criticizing the Nigerian Senate’s latest amendment to the Electoral Act, warning that it could weaken transparency in future elections.
The Senate on Tuesday approved electronic transmission of results but added a clause allowing presiding officers to upload results from the nearest point of internet connectivity in areas with weak network coverage, instead of directly from polling units. Critics say that exception could open the door to manipulation.
Chief Peter Ameh, national secretary of the Conference of United Political Parties, told Nigeria Info’s Morning Crossfire that the amendment creates what he called a major loophole that could be abused by those in power and undermine election credibility.
Safiya Bichi of YIAGA Africa also stressed that real time electronic transmission is key to protecting votes. She said leaving the decision to the discretion of presiding officers risks reducing transparency and weakening trust in the process.
Both speakers pointed to the success of card reader and digital accreditation technology in recent elections, arguing that Nigeria’s electoral system is capable of delivering near complete electronic transmission from polling units.
YIAGA Africa says it plans to engage the Senate conference committee and will continue to push for mandatory real time uploads nationwide, as lawmakers work to harmonize differences between the Senate and House of Representatives ahead of the 2027 elections.
The debate is unfolding against a backdrop of public demand for more credible elections, with many Nigerians still concerned about past delays and disputes. Civil society groups and opposition parties say they will closely watch the harmonization process as it moves forward.
