CSOs Protest Removal of Electronic Transmission in Nigeria

Civil society organizations (CSOs) in Nigeria have expressed strong opposition to the removal of provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units, as outlined in the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) result viewing portal (IREV). The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of advocacy groups, raised concerns about the implications for public trust and confidence in the electoral process.

During a meeting in Abuja, Andrew Mamedu, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, urged the conference committee to demonstrate statesmanship and act in the overall interest of Nigerians, emphasizing that credible elections in 2027 depend on critical decisions made at this juncture. The CSOs called for the retention of the mandatory real-time electronic transmission provisions in the House of Representatives' version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

They highlighted that the 2022 Electoral Act's provisions should be preserved to enhance transparency and restore confidence in electoral outcomes, warning against potential loopholes that could undermine previous electoral reforms.