Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the controversy surrounding the Senate’s position on the transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the development could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
In a press statement issued on Monday and signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the uncertainty created by the Senate’s adoption of provisions allowing election results to be transmitted without making it mandatory and immediate was already fuelling doubt and mistrust among Nigerians.
According to the editors’ body, the Senate’s stance runs contrary to the widely held position of citizens and many lawmakers who have consistently called for compulsory, real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“The resulting public outrage has pitted citizens against the Senate and could potentially discourage voter participation in future elections,” the statement said.
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The NGE noted that at a time when Nigerians are demanding mandatory and immediate transmission of results and as countries around the world increasingly adopt electronic transmission to enhance transparency and credibility the Senate’s position represents a missed opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
The Guild argued that mandatory electronic transmission of results has become a global standard for improving electoral credibility, efficiency, and accountability, stressing that Nigeria should not be an exception.
As the National Assembly reconvenes on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to harmonise the positions of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the proposed Electoral Act amendments, the editors urged lawmakers to approve mandatory and immediate transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central servers and collation centres.
According to the NGE, such a decision would lay a solid foundation for free and fair elections, deepen democratic governance, and restore public confidence in the voting process.
“The digitalisation of elections anchored on real-time transmission of results will enhance transparency, efficiency, accuracy, and voter confidence. It will also reduce disputes, minimise controversies, and significantly curb electoral fraud,” the statement added.
The Guild warned that anything short of mandatory and immediate transmission would place Nigeria out of step with contemporary and progressive electoral practices.
“Nigerians are watching the National Assembly closely on this issue,” the statement said, adding that credible elections depend on reforms that assure citizens that their votes will truly count.
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.
