By Jonas Udeh
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has raised serious concerns over Nigeria’s electoral future ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results poses a grave threat to transparency and democratic accountability.
This was contained in a press statement endorsed by Comrade Debo Adeniran, CDHR National President and Comrade Jeremiah Onyibe, CDHR National Publicity Secretary.
The human rights organisation condemned the Senate’s decision to remove the clause compelling the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit results from polling units, describing the move as a deliberate setback to electoral reforms.
According to CDHR, the refusal to legally guarantee real-time electronic transmission creates room for manipulation and undermines public confidence in the electoral process, especially in a country with a long history of disputed elections, result tampering, and post-election violence.
“The Senate has chosen ambiguity over transparency and discretion over certainty,” the organisation said, adding that laws are meant to protect citizens and not leave critical democratic safeguards to administrative goodwill.
CDHR rejected arguments that INEC’s discretionary powers are sufficient to guarantee credible elections, insisting that any process not firmly backed by law remains vulnerable to abuse.
The group described the Senate’s action as anti-democratic and against the interests of ordinary Nigerians who continue to demand credible elections amid worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and political exclusion.
It warned that weakening electoral integrity at such a critical time could deepen public anger and heighten political tension as the country moves toward the 2027 polls.
“Undermining the electoral process is a dangerous provocation,” CDHR stated, cautioning that such decisions could trigger widespread democratic resistance if not urgently addressed.
The organisation called on the National Assembly to revisit the amendment and enshrine mandatory electronic transmission of election results into law. It also urged civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups, and pro-democracy movements to mobilise against any attempt to weaken electoral transparency.
CDHR further appealed to Nigerians to remain vigilant and prepared to defend their democratic rights through lawful and peaceful civic engagement.
“Democracy cannot survive on discretion.
“The will of the people must be protected by law," the statement concluded.
