Mandatory Real-Time Election Result Transmission: Protesters Storm National Assembly Over Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, investigative Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

Pro-democracy activists on Monday returned to Nigeria’s National Assembly in Abuja, intensifying calls for lawmakers to enshrine mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. The demonstrators, comprising civil society organisations, youth groups and electoral reform advocates, argued that codifying compulsory electronic transmission of results would strengthen transparency, reduce post-election disputes, and deepen public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Demand for Clear Legal Backing at the heart of the protest is the insistence that the amended Electoral Act must explicitly mandate the real-time electronic upload and transmission of polling unit results to a central server. Protest leaders say ambiguity in existing provisions has contributed to controversies during previous elections, particularly regarding the use of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Nigeria’s current Electoral Act, 2022, provides for electronic transmission of results, but critics argue that its language leaves room for discretion, creating inconsistencies in implementation. During the 2023 general elections, debates over electronic transmission and the functionality of INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV) generated significant political tension and litigation. Media outlets including BBC News, Reuters, Al Jazeera, Channels Television and Premium Times have previously reported on controversies surrounding electronic result transmission and electoral reforms in Nigeria, underscoring the issue’s national and international significance. Protesters’ Position speaking during the demonstration, organisers emphasised that mandatory real-time transmission would: Minimise human interference in result collation enhance transparency at polling units reduce electoral violence linked to result manipulation curtail prolonged post-election litigation the protesters submitted a petition urging senators and members of the House of Representatives to remove any discretionary clauses and instead introduce clear, enforceable language compelling INEC to transmit results electronically and in real time.Lawmakers Yet to Respond Officially as of press time, the leadership of the National Assembly had not issued a formal statement in response to the latest protest. However, electoral reform remains a sensitive and high-stakes issue, particularly as Nigeria prepares for future off-cycle governorship elections and the 2027 general elections. Observers note that the debate reflects a broader continental push for digital electoral transparency. Across Africa, countries such as Kenya and Ghana have experimented with electronic result transmission systems, though not without challenges. Electoral Integrity and Democratic Confidence Electoral credibility remains central to Nigeria’s democratic stability. Analysts argue that clarity in legal provisions governing technology use in elections is critical to avoiding future disputes and restoring public confidence. For many reform advocates, the 2026 amendment process presents an opportunity to address perceived loopholes in the 2022 Act and align Nigeria’s electoral framework with evolving global best practices. Whether lawmakers will adopt mandatory real-time transmission remains uncertain. However, Monday’s protest signals that civil society engagement in Nigeria’s electoral reform debate is far from over. Sources: BBC News; Reuters; Al Jazeera; Channels Television; Premium Times.

About The Author

Afilawos Magana Sur

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Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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