Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have criticised the Nigerian Senate over its refusal to adopt key electoral reforms and the decision to shorten timelines for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The groups, including Speak Out Africa Initiative, ActionAid Nigeria, YIAGA Africa and the Civil Society Situation Room, said in Abuja that the move poses a serious threat to credible elections ahead of 2027.
The organisations said the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results amounts to electoral sabotage.
They warn that the decision could reopen the door to election manipulation, particularly during result collation.
The groups are also worried about the Senate’s decision to compress critical electoral timelines, including reducing the notice of election from 360 days to 180 days, and cutting the period for publishing candidates’ lists from 150 days to 60 days.
According to them, the changes could overstretch INEC’s capacity, trigger more election-related litigation, and ultimately undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The CSOs also faulted the insistence on the exclusive use of Permanent Voter Cards for voter accreditation, despite ongoing challenges with PVC distribution, warning that millions of eligible voters could be disenfranchised.
The Civil Society Organisations are calling on the Senate to reverse its position, align with the House of Representatives’ version of the Bill, and pass an Electoral Act that guarantees transparency and accountability.
They also urged Nigerians and the international community to remain vigilant as preparations for the 2027 elections continue.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
