Amanze Chinonye
Opposition parties and civil society groups have raised alarms over the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, warning that the decision could undermine transparency and public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Senate, on February 4, 2026, passed the Electoral Bill 2026 with significant reforms, including shortened election notice periods, reduced candidate submission timelines, and stiffer fines for electoral malpractice.
However, it rejected a proposal requiring INEC presiding officers to upload polling unit results to the Result Viewing (IReV) portal immediately after counting and signing Form EC8A. Instead, the Senate retained existing provisions allowing electronic transmission “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission” and upheld the use of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) alongside the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter verification.
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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the Senate’s decision, accusing the APC-led chamber of undermining transparency and expanding opportunities for electoral malpractice.
Similarly, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called the move “shameful and unfortunate,” noting widespread national support for direct electronic transmission of results from polling units. Civil society organizations, including YIAGA Africa, also criticized the retreat from reforms introduced in the 2022 Electoral Act, with Samson Itodo describing the decision as “a dangerous retreat from democratic gains.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has established a conference committee to reconcile differences between the versions of the Electoral Act passed by the two chambers. The House had approved real-time electronic transmission of results in line with physical collation, but the Senate rejected this provision, retaining discretion for INEC on the mode of transmission.
The committee, led by House Committee on Electoral Matters Chairman Adebayo Balogun, includes members from each geopolitical zone and a representative for women. Spokesman Akintunde Rotimi said the committee is mandated to confer with its Senate counterpart “with a view to harmonising the differing provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as passed by both Chambers, ahead of final passage by the National Assembly.”
Rotimi emphasized that the House remains committed to advancing electoral reforms that strengthen transparency, credibility, and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan also highlighted the need to safeguard the voters’ register ahead of 2027, noting irregularities including the presence of deceased persons and other errors. A nationwide verification exercise is planned to clean up records and ensure credible elections.
The outcome of the conference committee will be closely watched by opposition parties, civil society groups, and Nigerians eager to see reforms that enhance transparency and prevent malpractice in the lead-up to the next general elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
