The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has criticised the Nigerian Senate for rejecting an amendment that sought to make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
In a statement issued Friday in Abakaliki, signed by its National President, Debo Adeniran, and Publicity Secretary, Jeremiah Onyibe, the group described the decision as a setback for electoral transparency and democratic accountability.
The CDHR said retaining discretionary powers for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) undermines public confidence and risks compromising the credibility of future elections. It argued that leaving electronic transmission optional amounted to choosing “ambiguity over transparency,” particularly given Nigeria’s history of disputed polls and allegations of result manipulation.
According to the organisation, democratic safeguards should be codified in law rather than dependent on administrative discretion. It urged the Senate to reverse its position and enact provisions compelling real-time electronic transmission of results, noting that such reforms could curb voter apathy and strengthen trust in the electoral system.
The group warned that weakening electoral safeguards could deepen public frustration amid economic and security challenges, while stressing that citizens retain the constitutional right to defend democratic values through lawful and peaceful civic engagement.
The CDHR called on the National Assembly to revisit the rejected amendment and urged civil society organisations, labour unions and student groups to advocate for stronger electoral transparency.
The Senate had, at Wednesday’s plenary during deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act, voted to retain the 2022 provision allowing transmission of election results at INEC’s discretion.
