Civil Society Urges NASS To Back E-Transmission, Voter Access
A coalition of prominent civil society organisations (CSOs) has called on the National Assembly’s conference committee on electoral reforms to adopt key provisions proposed by the House of Representatives, warning that failure to do so could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition made its position known at a media briefing in Abuja, where a rights advocate and Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Dr. Jake Epelle, read a joint statement on behalf of the groups.
Concerns Over Electronic Transmission of Results
Central to the coalition’s demands is the mandatory electronic transmission of election results. The groups expressed concern over what they described as conflicting interpretations of the Senate’s position, particularly the substitution of the word “transmit” with “transfer” in proposed amendments.
According to the coalition, such ambiguity could weaken the intent of electoral reforms aimed at improving transparency.
“We strongly recommend that the harmonisation committee adopt the House of Representatives’ position mandating electronic transmission of results,” the statement read.
The CSOs further proposed a modification of Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 to allow designated election officials to electronically transmit results in real time. This would include figures on accredited voters sent directly from polling units and collation centres to a public portal.
They explained that real-time transmission involves uploading official polling unit results, recorded on Form EC8A, immediately after votes are counted and announced publicly at the polling unit in the presence of party agents, observers, and voters.
Downloadable Voter Cards and Voter Inclusion
The coalition also urged lawmakers to approve downloadable voter cards, particularly for missing and uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as a means of reducing voter disenfranchisement.
Citing data from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) 2023 election cycle, the groups noted that about 6.2 million registered voters were unable to vote due to failure to collect PVCs.
They argued that downloadable voter cards would remove logistical barriers, expand voter participation, and strengthen the inclusiveness of future elections.
Electoral Timelines and Operational Risks
On election timelines, the CSOs warned against compressing the electoral calendar, noting that it could increase the risk of administrative and operational failures.
Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Mr. Samson Itodo, referenced Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, which empowers INEC to issue a notice of election 360 days before polling day.
Based on INEC’s policy of holding general elections on the third Saturday of February, the coalition projected that the 2027 elections would hold on 20 February 2027, requiring the notice of election to be issued by 24 February 2026.
They urged INEC to publish the election timetable promptly and begin early implementation.
Accountability, Sanctions, and Due Process
The coalition further called for a review of Section 65 of the proposed electoral amendment, which limits reports on elections conducted under duress to INEC officials alone.
They recommended expanding eligibility to include political parties, candidates, accredited party agents, and election observers, arguing that a multi-stakeholder reporting framework would enhance accountability and reduce institutional capture.
In addition, the CSOs advocated the restoration of a proposed 10-year ban for offences related to the buying and selling of PVCs, which was earlier removed from the bill.
Call for Swift Legislative Action
The groups welcomed the Senate’s emergency plenary scheduled for 10 February 2026 to deliberate on electoral amendments and urged lawmakers to adopt clear and unambiguous provisions.
They called on the conference committee to conclude harmonisation within two weeks and transmit the final bill to the President, stressing that electoral reform is fundamental to democratic credibility and peaceful political transitions.
