By Victor Itodo Abuh
THE RESOURCE Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has condemned the Senate’s decision to reject the provision for real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Amendment Bill, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic credibility.
In a press statement issued on Friday, February 6, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, CHRICED said the Senate’s action undermines electoral transparency and weakens public confidence in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While urging democratic stakeholders to place national interest above partisan considerations and recommit to reforms that ensure elections reflect the will of the people, the organisation noted that the Senate had on Wednesday, February 4, voted to retain Clause 60 of the 2022 Electoral Act, which leaves the mode of result transmission to the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to CHRICED, the decision preserves ambiguity in the electoral framework and reverses efforts aimed at strengthening credibility and accountability in elections.
CHRICED stated that the rejection of real-time electronic transmission signals a reluctance by lawmakers to support reforms that would empower citizens and reduce manipulation in the electoral process. It added that the move raises concerns about the integrity of future elections and deepens mistrust between citizens and political institutions.
The group compared Nigeria’s position with global practices, noting that several democracies across Africa, Europe, and the Americas have adopted electronic systems to ensure transparency, speed, and credibility in result transmission.
It argued that Nigeria’s decision to retain a largely manual collation process exposes elections to delays, interference, and manipulation, particularly at collation centres.
CHRICED dismissed concerns about network coverage, cybersecurity, and rural connectivity as weak justifications, insisting that technological challenges are surmountable given the country’s existing digital infrastructure in sectors such as banking and telecommunications.
The organisation warned that the Senate’s decision could discourage voter participation, increase post-election disputes, and further widen the trust deficit in Nigeria’s democratic system. It stressed that credible elections are essential for national stability and democratic survival.
CHRICED called on Nigerians, including youth groups, civil society organisations, labour unions, professional bodies, and religious and community leaders, to apply sustained and lawful pressure on the National Assembly to reverse the decision. It also urged increased public engagement, legislative advocacy, civic education, and media mobilisation to protect electoral integrity.
