Women Voters Demand Real-Time Election Results, Slam N’Assembly

The President of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, has condemned the National Assembly’s refusal to amend the Electoral Act to mandate real-time transmission of election results, describing the move as a betrayal of democratic principles.

In a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja, Awunah-Ikyegh expressed disappointment over the legislature’s failure to adopt the proposed amendment, which seeks to ensure compulsory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV) managed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to her, the demand for real-time transmission is not partisan but fundamental to ensuring electoral transparency and credibility.

“For two weeks, our women—vulnerable yet steadfast—have gathered peacefully at the National Assembly, demanding a simple but crucial amendment: mandatory real-time transmission of election results. This is not a partisan whim; it is a cornerstone of transparent democracy and a safeguard against manipulation,” she said.

Awunah-Ikyegh described the Assembly’s refusal to act as a dangerous signal that could erode public confidence in future elections and undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress.

She also decried what she termed the violent suppression of peaceful protesters, alleging that security operatives used teargas to disperse women who had assembled lawfully at the National Assembly complex.

“To add insult to injury, police officers, instead of protecting citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, unleashed tear gas on vulnerable women, scattering them and inflicting needless trauma,” she stated, condemning the use of force against peaceful demonstrators.

The NILOWV president warned that suppressing legitimate civic engagement could weaken the social contract between citizens and the state.

She further criticised lawmakers who, by silence or opposition, she said, have failed to support reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.

“History will judge those who choose convenience over conscience. Yet, we remain hopeful that reason and patriotism can prevail,” she added, urging the National Assembly to reconsider its stance and amend the Electoral Act to restore public faith in elections.

Awunah-Ikyegh called on NILOWV members nationwide to remain calm and united, assuring that the organisation would continue to pursue lawful and strategic means to advocate for electoral transparency.

“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people—let us protect it with courage and conviction,” she said.