Human rights activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore has expressed profound distrust in the Nigerian Senate’s commitment to mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results, a key reform in the ongoing Electoral Act Amendment Bill. Sowore made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Wednesday, following widespread public protest against the Senate’s rejection of the provision.
His comments come after Nigerians, including civil society groups, converged on the National Assembly in Abuja on Monday for the “Occupy National Assembly” demonstration. The protest specifically opposed the Senate’s removal of a clause requiring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit results in real time during elections.
Sowore asserted that senators cannot be trusted even after the National Assembly harmonizes differing versions of the bill. “Obviously we can’t trust them,” he stated. “Even when these two positions are harmonized, which is what they said they would do, we still have to come through the fine prints of what is in the final law they are going to pass.” He suggested lawmakers are indifferent to public concerns, focusing instead on shielding themselves and judicial processes from definitive mandates.
The core of Sowore’s critique centers on legislative language. He explained that the House of Representatives had passed a version using the mandatory terms “shall” or “must” for electronic transmission, which would place the burden of proof on entities alleged to have rigged an election if transmission failed. “What they are trying to avoid,” Sowore said, “is a situation where the judges are hamstrung by a definitive word.” By removing such language, he argued, the Senate shifts the onus of proving electoral malpractice onto challengers—a significant barrier to contesting results.
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is a critical piece of legislation intended to reform Nigeria’s electoral processes ahead of future general elections. The push for electronic transmission gained momentum following contentious past elections where result collation and announcement were marred by allegations of manipulation and delays. Proponents argue that real-time electronic transmission would enhance transparency, reduce human interference, and allow for immediate public verification of results.
The Senate’s stance has ignited a debate over legislative intent and electoral integrity. While the Senate has cited logistical and infrastructure challenges as reasons for opposing a mandatory requirement, critics see it as an effort to retain discretionary control over result declaration. The bill now proceeds to a conference committee where members from both chambers will reconcile their versions. The final wording, particularly on result transmission and the legal burden of proof, will determine whether the reform strengthens or weakens safeguards against electoral fraud.
Sowore’s intervention underscores sustained civil society pressure for a robust, transparent electoral framework. The outcome of the legislative process is poised to significantly influence public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, with observers noting that the final act’s provisions will be a key test of lawmakers’ responsiveness to demands for credible elections.
