Civil Society Group Warns Against Efforts to Scale Back Electronic Election Result Transmission in Nigeria
A prominent northern Nigerian civil society coalition has issued a stern warning to political leaders against any move to weaken the full electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) said in a statement that the electronic transmission of results is an essential safeguard against manipulation, ensuring that outcomes reported from polling stations cannot be altered by political actors, corrupt officials, or other interested parties during the collation process.
The group, National Coordinator Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed deep concern over what it described as recent rhetoric and legislative efforts by some political figures, including the Senate President, to undermine or halt the complete implementation of this system. CNG argued that Nigeria’s history of electoral problems largely stems from the results collation stage, where votes have been altered to distort the voters’ will.
“Sending election results electronically is not something that can be skipped, tested, or discussed,” the statement read. “It’s essential for fair elections and the final protection against election theft.” The coalition contended that electronic transmission secures the ballot, maintains public confidence, and contributes to national stability by preventing post-poll manipulation.
CNG urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain steadfast in deploying a full electronic results transmission system without dilution. It also called on the National Assembly to reject any legislation that would reduce transparency in the electoral process, suggesting that opposition to e-transmission primarily serves those who benefit from the existing, manipulable system.
The group warned that a return to less transparent methods could erode public trust, trigger post-election violence, and fuel a legitimacy crisis for future governments. It linked credible elections to broader national interests, including economic stability and social cohesion.
CNG appealed to other civil society organizations, the media, and the Nigerian public across regional and party lines to advocate for and monitor the process, holding elected officials accountable. The coalition vowed to resist any attempt to roll back electoral reforms, stating that Nigerians would accept nothing less than elections that are verifiable, transparent, and technology-driven.
“Nigeria belongs to the people,” the statement concluded. “We will not allow anyone to take this country back to an earlier time. The Nigerian people will not accept anything less than honest, open, and modern elections in 2027.”
The warning highlights the ongoing tension over electoral integrity mechanisms in Nigeria, with technological solutions remaining a contested but critical component for the next election cycle.
