The organisations said the Senate’s action undermined the gains recorded with the passage of the Electoral Act 2022 and weakened safeguards designed to promote credible elections.
A coalition of civil society organisations has strongly criticised the Nigerian Senate over its recent vote on proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, describing the decision as a major setback for electoral integrity, transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a joint statement made available to SaharaReporters on Saturday, the groups expressed deep concern that the Senate rejected some of the most far-reaching reforms aimed at strengthening elections, including provisions for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results and measures to expand voter access to Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).
The organisations said the Senate’s action undermined the gains recorded with the passage of the Electoral Act 2022 and weakened safeguards designed to promote credible elections.
According to the statement dated February 5, 2026, the Senate voted against proposals that would have allowed voters to download missing or unissued voter cards and blocked electronic transmission of election results—reforms widely viewed as critical to curbing manipulation and restoring trust in elections.
The groups also faulted the Senate for drastically shortening key electoral timelines, warning that the changes would weaken oversight and institutional preparedness.
“The notice period for elections was reduced from 360 to 180 days, the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists was cut from 180 to 90 days, and the timeframe for INEC to publish nominations was slashed from 150 to 60 days,” the statement read.
“These changes weaken public scrutiny, constrain institutional preparedness, and increase the risk of electoral manipulation,” the groups added.
While acknowledging the Senate’s decision to raise the fine for buying and selling PVCs to ₦5million, the civil society organisations said the measure was inadequate and fell short of a strong deterrent.
They criticised the rejection of a proposed 10-year ban on offenders, arguing that without tougher sanctions—including electoral disqualification—vote-buying and other forms of electoral malpractice would continue unchecked.
“Strong sanctions are necessary to protect the integrity of the ballot and restore public confidence in democratic institutions,” the statement said.
The groups noted that the Senate’s position stood in sharp contrast to the more progressive stance earlier adopted by the House of Representatives, particularly on electronic transmission of results, further raising concerns about the Senate’s commitment to credible elections.
They also referenced reports that 11 senators had publicly dissociated themselves from the vote, urging other lawmakers to follow suit by prioritising national interest over partisan calculations.
“We call on other Senators to insist that the Senate reverses its position, adopts real-time electronic transmission of results, and retains the existing timelines for key pre-election activities,” the statement said.
The organisations warned that legal amendments governing elections must strengthen the capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), enhance transparency and reassure citizens that the electoral process is not being shaped by the self-interest of politicians.
They urged citizens, INEC and other stakeholders to push back against the Senate’s decision through the Conference Committee of the National Assembly, which will harmonise differences between the Senate and the House of Representatives.
“At a time when public trust in elections remains fragile, Nigeria cannot afford legal provisions that narrow transparency, weaken oversight, or privilege political convenience over democratic integrity,” the groups warned.
As part of their demands, the civil society coalition called on the Conference Committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ position approving compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results, retain existing statutory timelines for elections and party primaries, and conclude the harmonisation process swiftly so the final bill can be transmitted to the President within one week.
The statement was jointly signed by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Kukah Center, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa and Yiaga Africa.
The groups also urged Nigerians to hold their legislators accountable by demanding that provisions protecting electoral integrity and transparency are restored before the bill becomes law.