Youth-led electoral reform coalition criticises Senate over rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results ahead of 2027 polls.
A coalition of youth-led civil society organisations under the Youth-led Electoral Reform Project (YERP-Naija) Consortium has expressed disappointment over the Senate’s decision to reject a proposal that would make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory in Nigeria.
In a statement jointly signed by Bukola Idowu, Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative and YERP-Naija National Coordination and North Central Partner; Zigwai Ayuba, Executive Director of J-DEV Foundation and North-West Partner; Abimbola Aladejare Salako, Executive Director of The New Generation Girls, Women Development Initiative among others says the decision was taken during Senate plenary on February 4, when lawmakers passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill at third reading but declined to adopt an amendment earlier approved by the House of Representatives in December 2025.
The rejected provision sought to compel presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to transmit election results electronically from polling units immediately after voting and collation.
Instead, the Senate retained the existing legal framework, which allows INEC to determine the mode of transmission administratively, rather than through a binding legal requirement.
The consortium said this approach “weakens statutory certainty and limits transparency safeguards needed to strengthen public confidence in electoral outcomes,” noting that many young Nigerians see mandatory electronic transmission as a practical step toward rebuilding trust in elections.
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However, YERP-Naija said the legislative process is not yet concluded, pointing to the forthcoming harmonisation between the Senate and House of Representatives as another opportunity to revisit the issue.
The group called on the conference committee to align the final version of the bill with what it described as “broader stakeholder expectations” and youth demands ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It also urges citizens, civil society groups, labour unions, professional bodies, youth networks and the media to engage Senate leadership and members to reconsider the decision in the interest of democratic integrity.
The consortium warned that delays or diluted reforms could affect preparations for the 2027 elections, stressing that electoral laws must be passed early enough to allow effective implementation.
the statement notes that “Credible elections depend on transparent, predictable and enforceable legal standards.”
The group added that reforms that leave room for ambiguity or excessive administrative discretion could worsen challenges seen in previous election cycles.
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