Electoral Act: Coalition leaders, Bugaje, Falana, Ezekwesili, Utomi, others reject Senate’s decision

…Endorse ‘Occupy NASS’ protest

A coalition of prominent political activists and civil society leaders under the banner of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has strongly condemned the Senate’s decision to remove the provision for mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general election.

The group said that the action of the National Assembly represents a direct assault on the right of Nigerians to freely choose their leaders.

In a statement issued Saturday by its Media Coordinator, James Ezema, the coalition accused the federal lawmakers of choosing “opacity over transparency, manipulation over credibility, and elite conspiracy over the sovereign will of the people.”

According to the group, mandatory electronic transmission of results is a minimum safeguard against ballot tampering, result rewriting and post-election fraud.

“This is not lawmaking; it is deliberate democratic sabotage against the aspirations of Nigerians. Mandatory electronic transmission of results is not controversial.

“It is a basic safeguard against electoral manipulation. Any legislature that blocks it is openly defending a system that thrives on stolen mandates and manufactured elections,” the statement read.

The coalition said the Senate’s rejection of the clause signals that results will once again be vulnerable to manipulation between polling units and collation centres during the 2027 elections, warning that this could deepen voter apathy and further erode public trust in the electoral process.

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MCE also argued that the absence of transparent election outcomes has encouraged impunity, empowered electoral fraud and turned the courts into instruments for what it described as “mandate purchase by the highest bidders.”

The group accused Nigeria’s political elite of resisting technological transparency because it exposes what it called their “shady and corrupt dealings during elections.”

Describing itself as a non-partisan citizens’ movement, MCE said it comprises Nigerians from all walks of life, including youth, women, persons with disabilities, workers, professionals, grassroots communities, civil society organisations, faith-based groups and members of the diaspora, united by the principle that every vote must count.

The coalition is convened by leading activists including Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana (SAN), Oby Ezekwesili, Pat Utomi, Ayuba Wabba, Bilikisu Magoro, Nkoyo Toyo, Shehu Sani, Ene Obi and veteran activist, Olawale Okunniyi, among others.

MCE said it was not aligned with any political party and exists solely to protect the voting rights of Nigerians.

The group demanded that the National Assembly immediately reinstate and pass the mandatory electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.

It also called for public disclosure of lawmakers who opposed the provision, insisting they must account to Nigerians for their positions.

In addition, MCE urged legislators to explain how they have used their legislative powers over the past 26 years of democratic governance.

As part of its response, the coalition announced its endorsement of the “Occupy NASS” protest scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026, in Abuja, calling on Nigerians to mobilise peacefully in defence of credible elections.

The group also plans to address the international community from Lagos on the same day on what it described as the dangers of another flawed election cycle.

‘We call on students, workers, traders, professionals, women, youth, community leaders, the media and the international community to stand up, speak out and be counted,” the statement said.

MCE further advocated the adoption of a Voter-Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), similar to the system used in India, to ensure electronic results match polling unit records.

With years of experience in Nigerian journalism, Iniobong Iwok has built a reputation for deep political insight, compelling storytelling, and consistent, fact-driven reporting.

Over the years, he has gained extensive experience reporting and writing incisive political analysis. Iniobong has interviewed key political figures across Nigeria and covered major national events, including the 2019 and 2023 general elections.

A versatile journalist, he also has strong experience in education reporting and sector analysis. His work reflects a deep commitment to good governance and public accountability.

Iniobong holds a B.Sc. in Sociology from the University of Ilorin and an M.Sc. in Sociology (Development Specialisation) from Lagos State University.

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