Civil society groups urge National Assembly to mandate real-time election results, downloadable PVCs, and retain timelines for credible 2027 polls

A coalition of civil society organisations, CSOs, has called on the National Assembly harmonisation committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ provisions mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results, downloadable voter cards, and retention of existing electoral timelines, warning that contrary measures could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

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The groups also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to immediately issue the official notice and timetable for the 2027 elections in accordance with the Nigerian Electoral Act of 2022.

The coalition, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, highlighted the risks posed by the divergent positions between the Senate and the House of Representatives on the electoral amendment bill.

Jake Epelle of TAF Africa, who read a joint statement signed by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), The Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, and Yiaga Africa, said the harmonisation process must prioritise national interest, institutional integrity, and democratic accountability.

“Mandatory electronic transmission of results, downloadable PVCs and retention of timelines are essential to credible elections,” the statement read.

The CSOs emphasised that electoral reforms are fundamental to ensuring credible democratic transitions, noting that Nigerians expect to follow their votes from polling units to the final point of result announcement.

The coalition further urged the National Assembly to conclude the amendment process and transmit the final bill to the President within two weeks, while calling on the electorate to demand provisions that safeguard election integrity.

On the delayed issuance of election timelines, Samson Itodo of Yiaga Africa stressed that INEC should release the timetable without waiting for legislative amendments.

Citing Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act 2022, he said the notice should be issued by February 24, 2026, to comply with statutory requirements.

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Issuing the timetable, he added, would provide certainty for political parties and civil society actors, while allowing any future amendments to be incorporated through transitional provisions.