Political pressure is mounting ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections after the Senate passed the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026 without approving a mandatory electronic transmission of election results clause. The Obidient Movement, aligned with former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, has condemned the decision, arguing it undermines efforts to secure transparent and credible polls.
In an interview with Vanguard, Dr Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, said the exclusion of a strict e-transmission provision casts doubt on the federal government’s commitment to free and fair elections. He stressed that electronic transmission widely seen as a tool to reduce human interference and manipulation is critical for boosting public confidence in the electoral process.
The Senate, in its third reading of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, rejected a proposal that would have required presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s central result portal in real time, opting instead to retain broader wording that allows INEC discretion on result transmission.
Opposition voices and civil society groups argue that without enshrined e-transmission obligations in law, Nigeria risks perpetuating opaque practices and disputes over election results, as seen in previous election cycles. They warn that a lack of clear legal mandates for technology-based transparency could undermine trust and fuel post-poll litigation.
Supporters of the amendment process maintain that the existing provision which allows INEC to determine how results are transmitted provides flexibility and avoids legal ambiguities, and the Senate President has publicly stated that electronic transmission remains part of the law in spirit, even if not explicitly mandated.
Nevertheless, critics such as the Obidient Movement insist that the Senate’s stance signals a reluctance to fully embrace reforms that would strengthen electoral integrity. They urge Nigerians to prepare for robust civic engagement and “a very strong fight” to ensure elections reflect the will of the electorate.
