NBA Faults Senate, Demands Mandatory E-Transmission of Results

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the Senate’s decision to reject a proposed amendment mandating electronic transmission of election results, warning that the move undermines electoral transparency and democratic accountability.

The position was contained in a report presented by the President of the Association, Mr. Afam Osigwe, and formally adopted by the National Executive Council (NEC) of the NBA at its meeting held in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The NBA NEC expressed deep concern over the Senate’s refusal to amend Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Bill, which 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 immediately after the completion of Form EC8A.

Instead, the Senate opted to retain the existing provision of the Electoral Act, which states that results shall be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

Reacting to this, the NBA said the discretionary wording weakens the legal framework for credible elections.

“The current provision leaves room for manipulation, ambiguity and post-election disputes,” Mr Osigwe said, stressing that only a clear statutory mandate can guarantee transparency and protect the integrity of votes cast by Nigerians.

According to the NBA, enforceable electronic transmission provisions are no longer optional in a modern democracy.

“Credible elections are the bedrock of constitutional democracy, and continued resistance to mandatory electronic transmission undermines public confidence in the electoral process,” the Council noted.

The Association further emphasised that technology-backed transparency aligns with global best practices and is critical to restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

Consequently, NBA NEC called on members of the National Assembly to show legislative responsibility and statesmanship by voting in favour of the amendment compelling real-time electronic transmission of election results.

The Council reaffirmed the NBA’s commitment to sustained advocacy and engagement to ensure that Nigeria’s electoral laws truly reflect the will of the people as expressed at the ballot box.