Public outrage has erupted over the National Assembly’s rejection of electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act 2026, with stakeholders warning that the move threatens electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 polls.
Nigerians on Wednesday reacted angrily to what they described as an attempt by the 10th Senate to undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen the Electoral Act, as civil society organisations, election observers, political activists and opposition figures voiced strong objections. Stakeholders cautioned that blocking the electronic transmission of results would further expose the electoral process to manipulation, weaken safeguards against rigging and erode public confidence in election outcomes.
The backlash followed the National Assembly’s decision to reject provisions allowing electronic transmission of results in the recently passed Electoral Act 2026. Critics argue that the decision has once again dashed Nigerians’ hopes for free, fair and transparent elections in 2027, insisting that technology remains a critical tool for curbing fraud, speeding up collation and enhancing transparency in the electoral system.
Reacting, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) condemned the action of the 10th APC-led Senate, accusing it of rejecting key reforms needed to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. “Foremost among these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results, a move that clearly signals yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of the Nigerian people and manipulate future elections,” the opposition party said.