ActionAid Advocates for Real-Time Election Result Transmission

During a civil society situational room convening in Abuja, Andrew Mamedu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, highlighted the significant role lawmakers play in shaping Nigeria's democratic trajectory. He argued that public trust in the electoral system is paramount and called for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Mamedu criticized existing loopholes that could lead to manipulation and asserted that Nigeria's telecommunications network coverage, estimated at 97-98%, should not be used to justify weakening the provisions for credible election results. He noted that the Senate and House of Representatives have passed separate versions of a bill regarding this issue, and a joint conference committee has been tasked with harmonizing the differences.

Mamedu stressed that the House's position aligns better with public expectations and urged committee members to choose either version without introducing alterations. He concluded by stating that future generations will reflect on the lawmakers' roles in shaping democracy and that citizens will continue to advocate for these changes until a harmonized bill is approved and sent for presidential assent.