A coalition of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) has raised strong objections to the Senate’s recent amendment to the Electoral Act, warning that prioritizing manual results over electronic transmission could erode electoral safeguards and undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The warning was issued Friday in a consensus report presented by Professor Sam Amadi on behalf of participants at the Expert Round Table on Electoral Act Amendment. The forum was convened by ActionAid Nigeria, YIAGA Africa, and the Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework.
Reading from the report, Prof. Amadi said the amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act raises serious concerns about the credibility of future elections and the country’s democratic consolidation.
“Participants expressed concern that the Senate amendment may undermine electronic transmission by prioritizing manual results, thereby weakening electoral safeguards and public confidence in the electoral process,” he said.
The Senate had recently reviewed provisions relating to the electronic transmission of results, introducing a caveat that in the event of transmission failure, manual results could take precedence. While lawmakers defended the move as pragmatic, civil society experts argue that such prioritization risks reopening the most vulnerable stage of Nigeria’s electoral process — manual collation.
The Expert Round Table brought together a multidisciplinary group of academics, civil society leaders, election administrators, legal practitioners, engineers, technology specialists, and governance experts. According to organizers, the diversity of expertise ensured a comprehensive examination of the legal, technological, institutional, and democratic implications of the proposed amendment.
Engineers and technology experts assessed the technical feasibility and reliability of electronic transmission systems, while election administrators and legal professionals provided insights into operational realities and statutory implications.
The consensus report emphasized that electronic transmission using the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) remains critical to ensuring that results declared reflect votes cast at polling units.
“Electronic transmission protects election results from manipulation during collation and ensures transparency and accountability,” Amadi noted. “Real-time transmission enhances transparency and strengthens public confidence in elections.”
However, participants warned that making manual results legally superior to electronically transmitted results could create fresh opportunities for manipulation during collation — historically the weakest link in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Among the key concerns highlighted in the report were:
Risk of weakening electronic transmission safeguards: Elevating manual results over electronically transmitted results may undermine the progress achieved through technological reforms.
Lack of clarity on mandatory electronic transmission: The amendment does not explicitly require transmission using BVAS or clearly outline procedures in cases of transmission failure, creating legal ambiguity and potential loopholes.
Weak legal status of INEC regulations and guidelines: Many operational details relating to electronic transmission are contained in INEC’s regulations rather than embedded in the Electoral Act itself, reducing their enforceability.
Risk of increased electoral litigation: Ambiguities between manual and electronic results could lead to prolonged disputes, increased judicial intervention, and further judicialization of politics.
Beyond the immediate concerns over Clause 60(3), participants stressed that Nigeria’s electoral challenges extend beyond legislative drafting. They identified broader institutional and structural weaknesses that continue to threaten electoral integrity.
These include perceived executive influence in the appointment of INEC leadership, vote buying and political interference, weak enforcement of electoral laws, excessive judicial involvement in determining electoral outcomes, and a political culture that tolerates malpractice.
“Electoral reform must go beyond isolated amendments,” Amadi said. “It must focus on strengthening electronic transmission, enhancing institutional independence, improving legal clarity, and addressing structural weaknesses affecting electoral integrity.”
The report concluded with a series of recommendations aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the 2027 elections and beyond. These include judicial and legal reforms to clarify the status of electronic transmission, sustained investment in election technology and infrastructure, deeper collaboration among stakeholders, and the development of a long-term electoral reform agenda.
Civil society leaders warned that reforms perceived as diluting electronic safeguards could reverse gains made since the introduction of BVAS and IReV, technologies widely credited with improving transparency in recent elections.
With political activities gradually building toward 2027, the debate over electronic versus manual result collation is expected to intensify. For civil society actors, the stakes are clear: any reform that weakens technological safeguards risks not only disputed results but also diminished trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
As lawmakers continue deliberations on the Electoral Act, CSOs say the ultimate test will be whether the reforms strengthen — rather than compromise — the integrity of the ballot.
2027: CSOs Warn Senate Manual Results Could Undermine Elections
