The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) strongly condemns the decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject the amendment making of electronic transmission of election results mandatory. This action is a clear assault on democratic accountability and a calculated move against the interests of the Nigerian masses to deny them their right to elect their leaders.
By refusing to make electronic transmission compulsory, the Senate has chosen ambiguity over transparency and discretion over certainty. In a country where elections have historically been marred by manipulation, violence, and result falsification, the failure to legally guarantee real-time electronic transmission of results poses a grave threat to free, fair, and credible elections.
CDHR rejects the argument that retaining discretionary powers for INEC is sufficient. Laws are meant to protect the people, not leave critical democratic safeguards to administrative goodwill of people whose their integrity are yet to be known. A process that can be ignored can also be abused. The Senate’s action therefore weakens public confidence in the electoral system and fuels legitimate fears of electoral fraud.
We view this decision as anti-masses, anti-democratic, and inconsistent with the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who demand transparent governance and credible elections. At a time when citizens are already burdened by economic hardship, insecurity, and political exclusion, undermining electoral integrity is a dangerous provocation.
CDHR warns that actions such as this deepen public anger and could lead to widespread democratic resistance. Nigerians have the right to defend their votes and their democracy through lawful, peaceful, and mass civic action. The National Assembly must not push the country toward avoidable tension by refusing necessary electoral reforms.
We therefore call on:
The National Assembly to urgently revisit this decision and enshrine mandatory electronic transmission of results into law.
We call on civil society organizations, labour unions, student bodies, and pro-democracy groups to mobilize and resist all attempts to weaken electoral transparency.
Nigerians to remain vigilant, organized, and prepared to defend democracy through peaceful protests and sustained civic engagement.
Democracy cannot survive on discretion. The will of the people must be protected by law.
Signed:
Comrade Debo Adeniran
National President, CDHR
Comrade Deacon Jeremiah Onyibe
National Publicity Secretary, CDHR
