A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has faulted the Nigerian Senate over its rejection of several key clauses in the proposed Electoral Act amendment, describing the move as a major blow to electoral integrity and public confidence.
In a statement released to journalists in Benin on Friday, the 6th of February, 2026, the coalition said the Senate’s action undermines efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process. The group is made up of the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa.
According to the coalition, lawmakers turned down some of the most critical reforms required to improve transparency, inclusion, and credibility in elections. It argued that the rejected provisions would have enhanced public scrutiny, improved institutional readiness, and reduced opportunities for manipulation.
The statement noted that among the proposals discarded were provisions allowing voters to download missing or unissued voter cards, the use of real-time electronic transmission of election results, and the retention of existing electoral timelines considered essential for effective planning and oversight.
Other rejected changes include maintaining the current 360-day notice period for elections, the 180-day deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists, and the 150-day window for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish nominations. Under the Senate’s version, these timelines would be significantly reduced, a development the coalition warned could strain INEC’s operational capacity and weaken electoral certainty.
The group further expressed concern over the rejection of a proposed 10-year ban for electoral offenders, saying the decision dilutes accountability and weakens the fight against vote-buying and corruption. It stressed that tougher sanctions, including disqualification from elections, are vital to protecting the sanctity of the ballot and rebuilding trust in democratic institutions.
The coalition maintained that the Senate’s stance represents a reversal of the principles that guided the enactment of the Electoral Act 2022, particularly those centred on transparency, voter rights, and legal certainty.
“The Senate decisions also contrast with the more progressive position earlier adopted by the House of Representatives, deepening concerns about the Senate’s commitment to credible elections.
“Legal amendments must privilege citizens’ confidence in the electoral process, strengthen INEC’s capacity to conduct credible elections, and limit the perceived self-interest of politicians.
“At a time when public trust in elections remains fragile, Nigeria cannot afford legal provisions that narrow transparency, weaken oversight, or privilege political convenience over democratic integrity,” it said.
While acknowledging the Senate’s decision to raise fines for offences involving the buying and selling of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to ₦5 million, the coalition said the measure alone is insufficient to serve as a strong deterrent.
The CSOs called on citizens, INEC, and other stakeholders to press for a reconsideration of the rejected provisions during the Conference Committee stage between the two chambers of the National Assembly.
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They also aligned themselves with a statement issued by eleven senators who dissociated from the Senate’s vote, urging more lawmakers to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations. The coalition appealed for the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of results and the preservation of existing pre-election timelines.
“We also adopt the position of the House of Representatives approving compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results, including the comparison of electronically transmitted results with physical copies.
“We urge the Senate to retain existing statutory timelines for notice of elections, party primaries, and publication of candidates’ lists to safeguard planning, logistics, and electoral certainty.
“Conclude the harmonisation process expeditiously for the National Assembly to transmit the final bill to the President within one week.
“As key stakeholders in the electoral process, we urge citizens to demand accountable representation from their legislators in the National Assembly by pressuring them to prioritise public interest and the integrity of the elections by passing the provisions on real-time electronic transmission of election results and resisting any attempt to weaken established timelines that are crucial for conducting credible elections,” the group demanded.