CSOs Insist On Real-Time Transmission Of Election Results

Civil society organisations (CSOs), including ActionAid Nigeria, the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, YIAGA Africa, and the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION), have reiterated their call for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results and the elimination of manual collation in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Addressing journalists and demonstrators in Abuja on Tuesday, the groups argued that manual collation creates opportunities for manipulation, undermines transparency, and erodes public trust in the electoral process.

They stressed that mandatory electronic transmission is essential to strengthening electoral integrity and reducing malpractice.

Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, described the legislature as “the Nigerian people’s parliament” and emphasised that lawmakers must uphold the will of citizens.

“The voice of the people is the voice of God. Anyone who goes against the people is going against the will of Nigerians,” he said.

Mamedu noted that the bill has not yet been finalised, as the Senate and the House of Representatives have passed different versions.

“We currently have two versions — one from the House and one from the Senate. Both chambers must adopt a single version through the conference committee,” he explained. “

“The House version aligns more closely with citizens’ demands because it retains mandatory real-time electronic transmission.

“The conference committee must choose one version without amendments. We support the House version and will push for its adoption. Once approved by both chambers, it will be sent to the President for assent.”

He added that the protests would continue until citizens’ demands are met.

“We will keep coming out until our demands are addressed. The voice of the people will prevail in the end,” Mamedu said.

The CSOs also recalled that during the 2023 general elections, the absence of mandatory real-time transmission contributed to disputes, prolonged litigation, and widespread dissatisfaction with results.

The groups further criticised the proposed reduction of the Notice of Elections timeline. While the Electoral Act 2022 mandates a 360-day notice period, the Senate reduced it to 180 days, and the House proposed 300 days.

Urging the harmonisation committee to adopt the House version, the CSOs emphasised that legislative processes should strengthen, not weaken, key electoral safeguards.

The protest remained peaceful, with security personnel closely monitoring the National Assembly.

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