A newly formed civic coalition, the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), has rejected the Senate’s decision to remove mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the proposed Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.
The group described the move as a setback for electoral transparency and warned that it could undermine public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
MCE, made up of political activists, civil society actors and professionals, said electronic transmission of results from polling units remains a critical safeguard against manipulation during collation.
“Mandatory electronic transmission of results is a minimum safeguard against tampering and post-election disputes. Any step away from it raises serious concerns about transparency,” the coalition said.
The coalition includes Dr Usman Bugaje, Prof Pat Utomi, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Ambassador Nkoyo Toyo, Comrade Shehu Sanni, Ene Obi, and Olawale Okunniyi, among others.
According to MCE, the decision by lawmakers may leave room for vulnerabilities between polling units and collation centres if not reviewed.
The group also expressed concern that reduced transparency in result handling could further erode trust in the electoral process and increase voter apathy.
MCE announced plans to address the public and the international community in Lagos on Monday, outlining an action plan it believes is necessary to strengthen electoral credibility before 2027.
In addition, the coalition voiced support for a planned civic protest tagged “Occupy NASS” in Abuja, urging that all demonstrations remain peaceful and lawful.
Key Demands by MCE
Reinstatement of mandatory electronic transmission of results in the Electoral
Act Amendment Bill 2026.
Greater transparency around legislative positions on the clause.
Broader reforms to strengthen public trust in the electoral process.
The group also recommended consideration of additional safeguards, such as systems that allow verification of electronically transmitted results with polling unit records.
“Democracy is strengthened when citizens are confident that every vote is accurately counted and reflected,” MCE stated.
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