A number of Nigerian civil society organisations have voiced serious concern over a Senate-backed amendment to the Electoral Act, warning that it could weaken the safeguards meant to protect the credibility of elections.

The dispute centres on a clause that permits the electronic transmission of results only “where possible”. Critics say the phrase leaves too much room for interpretation and could open the door to interference during the collation of votes.

Tensions spilled onto the streets of Abuja this week, as protesters gathered ahead of parliamentary deliberations on the bill. Many demonstrators argued that electronic transmission of results was one of the most important reforms introduced to curb manipulation and restore public confidence after past electoral disputes.

While Senators have defended the proposal as a practical response to infrastructure and connectivity challenges in some parts of the country, election observers and rights advocates insist that any softening of the rule risks reversing hard-won gains in transparency.

The amendment will undergo further debate in the National Assembly, with mounting pressure on lawmakers to ensure that logistical realities do not come at the expense of electoral integrity and public trust.

–ChannelAfrica–