News Investigators/ Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the National Assembly to approve mandatory and immediate transmission of election results, ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The guild stated this in a statement issued by its President and General Secretary, Messrs Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh respectively, on Monday in Abuja.
It expressed deep concern over the controversy trailing the senate’s position on the transmission of election results, warning that it could erode public trust in the electoral process.
According to the guild, the senate’s position, which allows for the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate, runs contrary to the widely-held views of most Nigerians and many lawmakers.
It noted that attendant public outrage had pitted citizens against the senate and could discourage voter participation in future elections.
“At a time when Nigerians are calling for mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to central collation centres and as countries across the world adopt electronic transmission to enhance transparency, the senate’s position leaves much to be desired,” it stated.
The NGE described the stance as a missed opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process, adding that it undermined ongoing efforts to deepen democratic governance and ensure credible elections.
It stressed that globally, mandatory electronic transmission of election results had become a standard for improving electoral credibility and efficiency, insisting that Nigeria should not be an exception.
The guild said that as the senate reconvenes on Feb. 10 to harmonise its position with that of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly still has an opportunity to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity.
“Approving mandatory and immediate transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) central server and collation centres will lay a solid foundation for free and fair elections and help deepen democracy,” the statement read.
The guild added that the digitalisation of elections, anchored on real-time transmission of results, would enhance transparency, efficiency, accuracy and voter confidence, while also reducing disputes, minimising controversies and curbing electoral fraud.
“Electoral reforms, when combined with digital innovation, will strengthen democratic processes and boost public trust.
“Making the transmission of election results mandatory and immediate is therefore critical to achieving credible elections in Nigeria,” it stated.
NGE said Nigerians were closely watching the National Assembly on the issue and expressed hope that the harmonised provisions of both chambers would reflect contemporary and progressive electoral practices.
Anything short of mandatory and immediate transmission of election results, the guild warned, would fall below global democratic standards and weaken confidence in the electoral system.
NAN
