A coalition of civil society organisations has dismissed reports that the Nigerian Senate rejected electronic transmission of election results, describing such narratives as deliberately crafted to misinform the public.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Integrity said the Senate neither voted against nor outlawed electronic transmission of results during its deliberations on the amendment of the Electoral Act.
According to the coalition, what transpired in the Senate was a legislative and procedural clarification rather than a reversal of democratic gains.
“At no point did the Senate reject electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV). The Senate reaffirmed its legality as already provided for in the Electoral Act,” the coalition said.
The statement was jointly signed by Amb. (Dr.) Dauda Adamu, National President, Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Democratic Accountability and Electoral Integrity, alongside representatives of member organisations including Centre for Democratic Accountability and Rule of Law, CDARL, Kaduna, Coalition for Electoral Transparency and Good Governance, CETGG, Jos, Plateau State and Nigerians for Constitutional Democracy Initiative, NCDI, Ibadan.
Other members of the civic society coalition are Civic Alliance for Credible Elections, CACE, Abuja, Independent Network for Electoral Reform Advocacy, INERA, Abuja, Centre for Legislative Engagement and Public Accountability, CLEPA, Oshogbo, Osun State, Democracy, Rights and Institutions Monitoring Group, DRIMG, Asaba, Delta State
The coalition explained that lawmakers merely debated the operational framework for electronic transmission, particularly the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in determining the most secure and technologically feasible method of deployment.
It noted that the Senate resolved to allow INEC, as the constitutionally empowered and technically competent body, to retain discretion in deploying electronic transmission, taking into account technological realities, security concerns and infrastructural coverage across the country.
The group stressed that the resolution was neither new nor retrogressive, adding that it aligns with constitutional provisions, judicial precedents and global best practices.
The coalition said claims that the Senate “rejected electronic transmission” are capable of inciting public anger, undermining confidence in democratic institutions and degrading civic discourse.
It expressed concern that the misinformation was followed by what it described as coordinated attacks and vilification of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
“This pattern reflects political opportunism and bad-faith engagement, not genuine advocacy for electoral reform,” the statement said.
The coalition further stated that the Senate President did not manipulate proceedings, impose decisions unilaterally or act outside parliamentary rules, as is being alleged.
“Personalising collective legislative decisions or demonising the presiding officer is unfair, dangerous and undemocratic,” the coalition warned.
While reaffirming its commitment to electoral integrity, the coalition cautioned against “headline-driven activism” and outrage at the expense of facts.
The coalition reiterated its support for electronic transmission of election results, INEC’s institutional independence, constitutionalism and peaceful, credible elections, while pledging to defend democratic institutions.
“Electronic transmission of results remains intact. Any claim to the contrary is false,” the statement added.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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