Nigerian attorneys, representing the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), have implored the National Assembly to reevaluate and endorse a proposed modification to the Electoral modification Bill that would require the electronic transmission of election results from polling locations.
The call ensued after the endorsement of a report by NBA President Afam Osigwe, SAN, during the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting convened in Maiduguri, Borno State, on February 5, 2026, according to Channels TV.
The report articulated apprehension regarding the Senate’s recent dismissal of an amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, which would have mandated that presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) transmit results in real time to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal immediately following the proper signing, stamping, and countersigning of Form EC8A by party agents.
The NEC observed that the existing discretionary language in the Electoral Act, which permits presiding officers to “transfer the results … in a manner as prescribed by the Commission,” undermines the legal basis for transparent, real-time reporting.
The council says that the vagueness permits manipulation, misinterpretation, and post-election conflicts.
The NEC, in endorsing Osigwe’s report, determined that the National Assembly must promptly enact the proposed modification to Clause 60(3) to explicitly mandate electronic submission of results.
It underscored that precise statutory mandates, as opposed to discretionary language, are crucial for ensuring electoral transparency, safeguarding the integrity of votes, and reinstating public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The NEC emphasized that legitimate elections are fundamental to a functioning democracy. The council stated that persistent opposition to enforced electronic transmission measures threatens democratic accountability.
The NEC emphasized that technology-driven openness is essential in a contemporary democracy, urging Nigeria to conform its electoral system to international best practices.
The council urged lawmakers to exhibit legislative responsibility and statesmanship by endorsing the measure.
The NBA reiterated its dedication to continuous involvement and advocacy to guarantee that Nigeria’s election laws accurately represent the electorate’s will as demonstrated at the polls.
About the Author
