By Bosede Olufunmi
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has urged the Senate to pass the Electoral Amendment Bill 2025, saying that further delay could impact negatively preparations for 2027 general elections.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Mr Yunusa Zakari-Ya’u, made the call on Wednesday during an emergency news conference in Kano.
He recalled that in 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) promised to deploy effective technology, particularly the electronic transmission of election results direct from polling units to the collation centres.
“Assurance raise public confidence as electronic transmission was viewed as a major step towards transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
“INEC’s failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results serious legal implications, ” he said.
According to him, most election petitions arising from the 2023 polls were dismissed by the Supreme Court due to ambiguities in the Electoral Act.
He further explained that INEC refused to expressly mandate electronic transmission of results, while the courts relied on loopholes in the law, as it was not clearly stated as mandatory.
Zakari-Yau added that outcomes of the 2023 elections led to widespread calls for the review of the electoral act to prevent future misinterpretation.
“The NASS through its Committee on Electoral Matters, subsequently conducted consultations and public hearings across the country over the last two to three years, resulting in an agreed amendment bill.
“The bill makes electronic transmission of results mandatory; introduces stiffer penalties for INEC officials who violate electoral laws; grants greater financial autonomy to INEC; and strengthens internal party democracy, ” he said.
Zakari-Yau described the proposed amendments as critical to restoring public confidence in the electoral process.
He said that the House of Representatives had passed the Electoral Amendment Bill in December 2025 after completing its legislative processes
“The bill now requires concurrence by the Senate before being transmitted to the President for assent.
The CITAD boss expressed disappointment that the Senate proceeded on recess at the end of 2025 without concluding work on the bill, describing the delay as risky.
He said the action of the red chamber was dangerous, especially as INEC is legally required to publish the timetable for the 2027 general elections by April.
“Failure to pass the bill before then could create uncertainty over the legal framework governing the 2027 polls,” he said.
He said similar situation in 2019, when delays in amending the Electoral Act led to the withholding of presidential assent due to time constrain.
Ya’u urged the Senate to act swiftly to avoid a repeat of the setback and ensure credible elections in 2027.
NAN reports that the Senate passed the third reading of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill 2026.
The bill introduced several changes to election timelines, technology, and penalties, while retaining certain existing provisions.
NAN also reports that the Senate rejected a proposed amendment to make the electronic transmission of results mandatory.
