In an update published by Premium Times, civil society organizations and political analysts have voiced a strong rejection of the Senate’s recent vote on the Electoral Act amendment bill. The upper chamber’s decision to decline provisions for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results has sparked fears that the 2027 general elections could be compromised, as critics argue that digital transparency is essential for credible outcomes.
The legislative move has been described as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic evolution, with experts warning that it risks erasing the progress made during the 2023 polls. Opponents of the Senate’s stance argue that without a legal mandate for electronic results, the window for manual manipulation during collation remains dangerously wide.
This growing outcry was corroborated by Daily Post, where analyst Mahdi Shehu stated, “The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them,” emphasizing that the move is an “assault” on the electorate. Similarly, The Nation reported that legal experts are already preparing for a constitutional challenge, with one lawyer noting that “the law must reflect the technological realities of the 21st century to ensure every vote counts.”
Echotitbits take: This is a high-stakes political tug-of-war. By stripping away mandatory electronic transmission, the National Assembly is essentially opting for a “status quo” that favors established political structures over grassroots transparency. Expect this to become a primary rallying cry for opposition parties and the “Obidient” movement as the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up.
Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/854928-csos-reject-senate-vote-on-electoral-bill-warn-of-threat-to-credible-elections.html?tztc=1, February 7, 2026
Photo credit: Premium Times
