---Citizens insist on clear definitions, single collation points, mandatory electronic result upload
Nigerians have intensified calls on the National Assembly to pass a new Electoral Act that is technically sound, unambiguous and capable of preventing manipulation and disputes, amid concerns that existing electoral laws contain loopholes that undermine public trust.
The calls were made on Monday in a press statement signed by Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, Labour Party House of Representatives candidate and second runner-up in the 2023 elections, and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant in Ebonyi State.
The statement said that for decades, electoral provisions in Nigeria have been “ambiguously drafted,” with weak cross-referencing, undefined terms and structural gaps that allow for conflicting interpretations.
It added that these weaknesses have contributed to electoral disputes, inconsistent implementation and declining voter confidence.
The statement highlighted the need for the new Electoral Act to be technically rigorous, unambiguous and resistant to manipulation.
It identified two critical areas that require immediate attention including accurate cross-referencing and clear interpretation clauses.
The statement said sections governing result collation and record keeping must be harmonised to eliminate contradictions, and that interpretation clauses must define key terms clearly to prevent misuse.
It noted that the current law fails to define key terms such as “real-time upload to IReV” and “electronic transmission of results,” which it said creates loopholes and inconsistent application.
The statement also outlined key reforms Nigerians expect in the new Act, including clear and enforceable candidate qualifications and mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results (EC8A).
It urged that collation should be simplified, recommending a single central collation point for House of Assembly, House of Representatives and Senatorial elections.
For gubernatorial elections, it proposed collation at local government and state levels only, while presidential collation should be restricted to state and national centres.
On voter accreditation, the statement said the process should focus on verifying identity rather than restricting participation, allowing alternative national documents such as passports and the National Identification Number (NIN), in addition to voter cards.
The statement also called on civic bodies including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the Chamber Movement to speak in unity and urge the National Assembly to act.
It said the National Assembly must seize the opportunity to enact a new Electoral Act that reflects the will of the people and strengthens the democratic process.
