By Victor Itodo Abuh
BARELY 24 hours after Nigeria’s National Assembly passed amendments to the Electoral Act, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, signed the bill into law, triggering concern from civil society groups who criticised the speed of assent noting that it raises troubling questions about accountability, public trust against the massive spending on election technology.
Among the critics is the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), which condemned what it described as a hasty and undemocratic process that ignored public opposition to provisions allowing manual transmission of election results under certain conditions.
At the centre of the controversy is Clause 60(3) of the amended law, which permits manual transmission of results in cases of “network challenges” or “unforeseen circumstances.”
CHRICED argues that the clause contradicts years of electoral reforms and undermines the rationale for the huge sums already spent on digital election infrastructure.
According to the group, over ₦300 billion has been expended on electoral technology in recent years, while an estimated ₦873.78 billion has been proposed for the 2027 general elections. “If Nigeria has invested this much in technology, why are manual processes still being legally protected?” CHRICED asked, framing the issue not just as a democratic concern but as a fiscal one.
The organisation said the decision effectively casts doubt on the competence and accountability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which has consistently justified its budgetary requests on the need to strengthen digital election systems.
CHRICED also rejected claims that poor network coverage makes real-time electronic transmission unrealistic, citing assurances from the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria and major operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and 9mobile, all of which have previously stated that nationwide capacity for data transmission exists.
While assenting to the bill, President Tinubu reportedly argued that election credibility depends more on human management than technology. However, CHRICED said this position runs counter to public sentiment and years of advocacy by civil society and opposition lawmakers who view electronic transmission as a safeguard against manipulation.
The group further questioned why the amendment received urgent attention when other critical reforms — such as electoral offences legislation, constitutional amendments on devolution of powers and anti-corruption bills — remain pending before the National Assembly.
CHRICED urged Nigerians to hold lawmakers accountable, particularly senators who opposed mandatory electronic transmission and renewed calls for constitutional changes to remove the President’s exclusive power to appoint INEC commissioners.
“Democracy is not strengthened by speed but by legitimacy,” the organisation said, warning that laws passed in haste risk reopening old wounds of electoral distrust as the country heads toward another election cycle.
