NASS Urged to Adopt Reps’ Position Mandating Real-Time Result Transmission

The National Assembly has been urged to back the House of Representatives’ position on key electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Civil society organisations said lawmakers must approve provisions that mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results, allow downloadable Permanent Voter Cards, and retain existing electoral timelines.

They warned that any reversal of these measures could weaken public trust in the next polls.

The call was made during a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday. The groups expressed concern over differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the Electoral Act amendment bill. They said the disagreement could affect the credibility of the 2027 elections if not resolved quickly.

The coalition also asked the Independent National Electoral Commission to release the official timetable and notice of election without delay. According to them, the law already empowers INEC to act, even while legislative amendments are still being considered.

The statement was presented by Jake Epelle of TAF Africa on behalf of several organisations working on election monitoring and democratic governance. They stressed that electoral reforms must reflect the will of Nigerians and protect the integrity of the voting process.

Part of the statement read, “The harmonisation deliberations should be guided by national interest, institutional integrity and democratic accountability. Mandatory electronic transmission of results, downloadable PVCs and retention of timelines are essential to credible elections.”

The groups explained that real-time transmission of results would help citizens track votes from polling units to final collation centres. They said this would reduce suspicion, strengthen transparency, and discourage manipulation of figures.

They further urged the National Assembly to conclude work on the amendment bill within two weeks and forward it to the President for assent. The coalition also appealed to voters and advocacy groups to pressure lawmakers to pass provisions that safeguard election credibility.

Speaking on the delay in announcing the 2027 election timetable, Yiaga Africa’s Samson Itodo said INEC should not wait for the amendment process to be completed. He referred to the Electoral Act 2022, which requires the commission to issue a notice of election at least 360 days before polling day.

He noted that since general elections are usually held on the third Saturday of February, the notice should be released by February 24, 2026. He warned that failure to do so could place INEC in breach of the law.

Itodo said early release of the timetable would give political parties, candidates, and civil society groups enough time to prepare for the polls. He added that any later changes in the law could be adjusted through transitional arrangements.

He said, “issuing the timetable would fulfil statutory obligations, provide certainty for political parties and civil society actors, and allow any future amendments to be accommodated through transitional provisions.”

The coalition concluded that credible elections depend on clear rules, strict timelines, and transparent result management. They said Nigeria must not risk another disputed election cycle due to weak legal frameworks.

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