The call was made following the adoption of a report presented by NBA President Max Afam Osigwe, SAN, at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State yesterday.
The report criticised the Senate’s recent decision to reject a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which would have required presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit polling unit results in real time to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) immediately after Form EC8A is signed and stamped.
Instead, the Senate retained the current wording of the Electoral Act that allows INEC discretionary power to determine how results are transmitted.
In a resolution adopted by NEC, the NBA described the Senate’s position as a major setback for electoral transparency, noting that the existing provision is vague and leaves room for manipulation, delays, and post-election disputes.
The Council warned that “a discretionary framework for transmitting results is incompatible with the demands of a modern democracy.”
“Without a statutory obligation for real-time electronic transmission, the process remains vulnerable to alteration, coercion, and opaque practices.
“Technology-backed transparency is not optional," he said.
The NBA stressed that credible elections are the bedrock of constitutional democracy and called on lawmakers to act responsibly to restore public confidence ahead of the 2027 polls.
NEC further argued that technology-backed transparency is now a global standard, and Nigeria must align its electoral framework with international best practices.
The NBA President, Max Afam Osigwe, SAN, reiterated that the amendment would ensure that election results are immediately available for verification by political parties, civil society groups, and the general public.
“The absence of a mandatory electronic transmission clause will continue to allow electoral stakeholders to question the authenticity of results, even when votes are legitimately cast,” he said.
NEC warns of looming election crises
The NBA also cautioned that the 2027 elections could become more contested if the National Assembly fails to act.
“With the heightened political tensions expected in 2027, the stakes are higher than ever,” the Council said. “The National Assembly must not shy away from making the law unambiguous and enforceable.”
NEC urged members of the National Assembly to revisit the amendment and vote in favour of a compulsory electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Amendment Bill.
The Council also pledged continued advocacy and engagement with legislators, INEC, and civil society to ensure that the electoral law reflects the will of Nigerians at the ballot.
