The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has urged the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory.
The call followed the adoption of a report by the NBA president, Max Afam Osigwe, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on February 5, 2026, in Maiduguri, Borno state.
NBA Backs Amendment to Clause 60(3)
During the meeting, NEC considered Osigwe’s report, which focused on recent developments surrounding the Electoral Amendment Bill.
Specifically, the report drew attention to the Senate’s decision to reject a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) of the bill.
The rejected proposal sought to compel presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit polling unit results in real time to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal.
Under the proposal, transmission would occur immediately after Form EC8A is signed, stamped, and countersigned by party agents.
Senate Retains Discretionary Provision
Instead, the Senate resolved to retain the existing provision of the Electoral Act.
That provision states that “the presiding officer shall transfer the results, including the total number of accredited voters and the results of the ballot, in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”
However, the association expressed concern over the wording, saying that the discretionary nature of the provision weakens the legal basis for transparent, real-time result transmission.
The NBA warned that the language leaves room for manipulation, ambiguity, and post-election disputes.
Demands Urgent Legislative Action
Consequently, NEC resolved that the National Assembly must urgently revisit the proposed amendment.
The council said the law must expressly mandate electronic transmission of results from polling units, adding that statutory compulsion, rather than discretionary phrasing, is critical to safeguarding electoral integrity.
It noted that clear legal requirements would also help restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Credible Elections Central to Democracy
The body emphasised that credible elections remain the foundation of constitutional democracy.
It warned that continued resistance to enforceable electronic transmission provisions undermines democratic accountability.
According to the council, technology-driven transparency is no longer optional in a modern democracy.
NEC added that Nigeria must align its electoral framework with global best practices.
Call to Lawmakers
Accordingly, NEC called on members of the National Assembly to demonstrate legislative responsibility and statesmanship.
The council urged lawmakers to vote in favour of the proposed amendment compelling electronic transmission of election results.
It also reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to sustained engagement and advocacy to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot.
