#FixPolitics has demanded that the Senate rescind its version of the re-amended electoral bill and either restore mandatory electronic transmission of results or adopt the House of Representatives’ version
Leading civil society organisation, #FixPolitics Africa, has strongly criticised the Senate over its passage of a revised electoral act amendment bill, warning that the controversial clause on electronic transmission of election results undermines transparency and threatens public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group demanded that the Senate rescind its version of the bill and either restore mandatory electronic transmission of results or adopt the House of Representatives’ version during the harmonisation process.
According to the statement signed by its Executive Director, Anthony Ubani on Wednesday, the group said the Senate’s version of the bill, passed after lawmakers reconvened on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, effectively makes electronic transmission of results optional by allowing manual collation to override it where transmission fails due to connectivity issues.
“The proviso means that if network or connectivity issues occur, paper forms would override electronic transmission, making the latter legally optional,” Ubani said. “This essentially guts any meaningful requirement for real-time transparency.”
The Senate clause provides that while presiding officers shall electronically transmit polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), Form EC8A would become the “primary source of collation and declaration of result” where electronic transmission fails.
#FixPolitics contrasted this with the House of Representatives’ version of the bill, which mandates real-time electronic transmission alongside physical collation of results. According to the group, the House provision aligns with global best practices and removes discretion that could enable manipulation.
“The House version states clearly that INEC shall electronically transmit election results in real time and simultaneously with physical collation,” Ubani said. “There is no legitimate reason to treat the transmission of election results, the very foundation of democracy, as an exception.”
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The organisation argued that electronic transmission should not be dependent on whether systems fail but must be firmly protected in law, stressing that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure reliable electoral infrastructure.
“Electronic transmission cannot be made a provision that depends on whether it ‘fails’,” Ubani stated. “It must be mandated and protected in law. It is not the duty of citizens to accept loopholes written into law that invite manipulation.”
#FixPolitics warned that by refusing to make electronic transmission mandatory and legally binding, the Senate has left room for discretion, human interference and legal uncertainty—an issue it said contributed to the loss of confidence in the 2023 elections.
“Civil society groups, labour unions, professional bodies, political parties, and concerned citizens have all condemned this outcome,” Ubani said. “Failing to mandate unconditional real-time transmission undermines transparency, credibility and public trust in the electoral process.”
The group disclosed that labour unions and civil society organisations are mobilising, with mass peaceful protests already endorsed as a legitimate response. It cautioned that unless tangible reforms are implemented, there is growing resolve to resist the conduct of the 2027 elections under a framework Nigerians widely distrust.
“This is not a threat; it is a democratic reality,” Ubani said. “Senators are not above the people. Their authority comes from our mandate.”
#FixPolitics demanded that the Senate rescind its version of the bill and either restore mandatory electronic transmission of results or adopt the House of Representatives’ version during the harmonisation process.
“Anything less will deepen distrust, fuel unrest, and undermine the legitimacy of the 2027 electoral process,” Ubani warned.
The group urged the Senate President and lawmakers to reconsider their stance, insisting that history would judge whether they chose transparency over opacity.
“Nigeria deserves elections that are free, fair, transparent and credible,” Ubani said. “Not half-measures. Not loopholes. Not excuses.”
#FixPolitics reaffirms its commitment to stand with Nigerians. “We will not back down. We will not be intimidated.And we will ensure our demand, citizens’ demand, is met.” the group emphasised
