Protesters on Monday gathered at the National Assembly Complex, calling on lawmakers to make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory in the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s electoral law.
The demonstrators, drawn from several civil society organisations including Situation Room Nigeria and ActionAid Nigeria, said the move was necessary to strengthen electoral transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Carrying placards and chanting solidarity songs, the protesters insisted that the continued use of manual collation methods creates opportunities for manipulation and undermines the integrity of election outcomes. They argued that results should be transmitted electronically and in real time directly from polling units to secure digital platforms, without reliance on manual backup systems.
According to the demonstrators, electronic transmission of results would significantly reduce the risk of tampering, delays, and disputes associated with manual collation. They stressed that technological solutions already exist and have been tested in previous elections, making it both feasible and necessary to fully adopt electronic transmission.
The protest marked a continuation of advocacy efforts by civil society groups aimed at influencing the provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. The demonstrators had earlier paused their protests following assurances from lawmakers that their concerns would be reviewed during legislative deliberations.
Security operatives were deployed around the National Assembly complex and barricaded the main entrances, preventing protesters from gaining access to the premises. As a result, the demonstrators staged their protest outside the gates, where they addressed the media and called on lawmakers to prioritise electoral reforms that reflect modern democratic standards.
The protesters maintained that there was no valid justification for retaining manual collation as a backup option. They noted that substantial public funds are allocated for elections, including investments in digital infrastructure and technological systems capable of supporting secure electronic transmission.
They further argued that maintaining manual collation alongside electronic transmission creates loopholes that could be exploited to alter results, especially during the collation process at various levels. According to them, the credibility of elections depends not only on voting procedures but also on the transparency and integrity of result management.
The renewed protest comes amid ongoing debate within the Nigerian Senate over specific provisions in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. One of the most contentious issues involves the wording and scope of clauses relating to electronic transmission of election results.
During recent deliberations, lawmakers approved the use of electronic transmission of results to the result portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission. However, the Senate also retained manual collation as a contingency measure in the event of technical failures or unforeseen disruptions.
This decision has continued to generate debate among stakeholders, with civil society groups insisting that retaining manual processes weakens the effectiveness of electoral reforms and leaves room for possible irregularities.
The protesters vowed to sustain their advocacy and continue engaging lawmakers until their demands are fully addressed. They emphasised that credible elections are essential for strengthening democracy, ensuring accountability, and preserving public confidence in governance.
They also called on members of the National Assembly to demonstrate commitment to democratic principles by enacting reforms that reflect transparency, fairness, and technological advancement.
As legislative deliberations continue, civil society organisations say they will maintain pressure on policymakers, stressing that real-time electronic transmission of election results remains a critical step toward improving the integrity and credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
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