By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
SENATORS ON Tuesday reversed an earlier decision rejecting a proposal for real‑time electronic transmission of election results, yielding to pressure from labour unions, civil society groups and lawyers seeking to prevent electoral fraud.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that last week, senators voted against mandating the immediate electronic upload of results after counting, a measure long promoted by pro‑reform groups as crucial to reducing interference during the manual collation process.
However, the decision sparked widespread criticism and prompted activists and opposition leaders to stage a protest outside parliament on Monday, calling for the upper chamber to align with the House of Representatives, which had approved the provision.
Also, Nigeria’s elections have frequently been marred by allegations of vote‑buying, violence and chaotic collation, with courts increasingly settling disputes over contested races.
Despite the introduction of biometric voter verification and online result‑uploading tools in recent cycles, collation remains largely manual, fuelling persistent claims of manipulation.
Meanwhile, the next general election is scheduled for February 2027, when President Bola Tinubu will seek a second and final term. Reform advocates say real‑time electronic transmission will enhance transparency and reduce disputes.
Some senators had argued that insecurity in parts of the country and limited internet coverage made the requirement impractical.
Civil society organisations rejected that view, with the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) stating the initial vote “creates room for disputes” and erodes public confidence in the electoral system.
Over the weekend, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned it could call nationwide strikes or urge an election boycott unless the clause was reinstated.
“Failure to add electronic transmission in real time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election, or total boycott of the election,” NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said on Sunday.
Moreover, the lawmakers have now agreed to establish a joint committee of both chambers to harmonise the amended electoral act before sending it to President Tinubu for assent.
