Civil Society Faults Senate Vote On Electoral Bill, Warns Of Threats To Polls

A coalition of civil society organisations has criticised the Senate over its vote on key provisions of the proposed Electoral Act amendments, warning that the decision posed serious risks to electoral integrity and democratic credibility.

In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, the groups said the senate’s rejection of several critical reforms undermines transparency, inclusion and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The statement was signed by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Kukah Center, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa.

According to the coalition, among the rejected provisions were proposals to allow voters to download missing or unissued Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), mandate compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results, and retain existing statutory timelines for key electoral activities.

LEADERSHIP reported that the Senate voted against proposals that would have allowed real-time electronic transmission of election results and permitted voters to download missing or unissued Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

The Senate also approved major reductions in pre-election timelines, cutting the notice period for elections from 360 to 180 days, reducing the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 180 to 90 days, and shortening the period for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish nominations from 150 to 60 days.

The groups warned that these changes would weaken public scrutiny, constrain institutional preparedness, and increase the risk of electoral manipulation.

While acknowledging the Senate’s decision to increase the fine for offences related to the buying and selling of PVCs to ₦5 million, the organisations said the measure does not go far enough.

They expressed concern over the rejection of a proposed 10-year ban for offenders, arguing that stronger sanctions, including electoral disqualification, are necessary to deter vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The civil society groups noted that the Senate’s position departs from the principles that underpinned the Electoral Act 2022 and contrasts with what they described as the more progressive stance earlier adopted by the House of Representatives.

They also referred to a statement by eleven senators who dissociated themselves from the Senate’s vote, urging other lawmakers to place the national interest above partisan considerations.

The coalition called on the Senate to reverse its position through the Conference Committee of both chambers, adopt real-time electronic transmission of results, and retain the existing timelines for pre-election activities.

“At a time when public trust in elections remains fragile, Nigeria cannot afford legal provisions that narrow transparency, weaken oversight, or privilege political convenience over democratic integrity,” the statement said.

The groups further urged the Conference Committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ position on electronic transmission of results, retain existing statutory timelines for elections and party primaries, and conclude the harmonisation process expeditiously to enable the National Assembly to transmit the final bill to the President within one week.