By Joy Onu, Abuja
Fresh controversy has followed the National Assembly’s ongoing review of the Electoral Act as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) accused the Senate of failing to clearly communicate its final position on electronic transmission of election results.
The organised labour body, in a statement released on Sunday, said uncertainty surrounding the amendment process has heightened public anxiety and reopened debates on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral framework. The NLC warned that inconsistent explanations from the Senate could weaken confidence in future elections.
At the centre of the concern is the fate of a proposal seeking to make electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) mandatory and conducted in real time. Reports from legislative proceedings indicate that the Senate retained the existing clause that gives INEC discretionary powers, rather than enforcing a compulsory provision.
The NLC said the absence of a clear, unified account of what was passed has created room for speculation nationwide, particularly as the country reflects on challenges witnessed during the 2023 general elections.
The labour union called on the Senate leadership to publicly spell out the exact content of the amendment, including the wording adopted and the reasoning behind it. It also urged the National Assembly to ensure that the final harmonised bill leaves no room for multiple interpretations on how election results are transmitted and collated.
As of press time, the Senate had yet to issue an official clarification on the final provision passed on electronic transmission of results.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the NLC maintained that electoral certainty is non-negotiable, stressing that transparent procedures are essential for restoring trust between voters and institutions. It cautioned that unresolved ambiguities could trigger widespread resistance from workers and civil society groups.
The statement, signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, noted that Nigerians are closely monitoring the legislative process and expect laws that prioritise accountability and public interest.
