Protesters on Monday returned to the National Assembly, renewing calls for the mandatory inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.
The demonstrators—among them civic organisations such as Situation Room and ActionAid—demanded the complete removal of manual collation of results, arguing that it leaves room for interference and manipulation.
Their action followed a five-day recess by lawmakers after assurances were given during the previous Tuesday’s plenary session.
On arrival, security personnel had reportedly sealed off access to the complex, compelling the protesters to stage their rally outside the main gates.
Protesters insisted on full transparency in the electoral process, maintaining that real-time electronic transmission should be compulsory.
They argued that since election budgets already account for technological infrastructure, there is no valid reason to retain manual backups.
The renewed agitation comes in the wake of last Tuesday’s emergency sitting of the Nigerian Senate, convened to revisit its earlier position on Clause 60(3) of the amendment bill.
During deliberations, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno proposed deleting the phrase “real-time” and substituting “transmission” with “transfer.”
READ ALSO: Electoral Act: Group Demands Mandatory Real-Time Results Transmission
The proposal drew sharp resistance from several lawmakers, notably Enyinnaya Abaribe, who repeatedly raised procedural objections.
After extensive debate, the Senate resolved to approve electronic transmission of results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, while retaining manual collation as a contingency in the event of technical failures.
Lawmakers are expected to reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m. to continue deliberations on pressing national matters.
Meanwhile, the protesters have pledged to sustain pressure on the legislature until real-time electronic transmission of election results is fully guaranteed by law.