By Shu’aibu Usman Leman
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and a broad spectrum of citizens have raised concerns over the amended Electoral Act, urging the National Assembly to revisit aspects of the reform. Central to their demand is the mandatory real time electronic transmission of election results as a means of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
According to them, only a transparent and technologically driven process can effectively shield the electorate’s will from human interference.
While acknowledging previous attempts to strengthen the electoral framework, stakeholders insist that further reforms are necessary to guarantee credible polls in the future.
The enactment of the Electoral Act 2026 by the National Assembly and its subsequent presidential assent have triggered intense national debate.
From Kano to Onitsha and Lagos, Nigerians are scrutinising the implications of the new law for the integrity of their votes and the stability of the democratic process.
Beyond partisan arguments, however, there is a need for sober reflection. The issues at stake go beyond political interests.
They touch on the deeper question of how Nigeria can consolidate its democracy while balancing technological innovation with the realities of its infrastructure.
At the heart of the new law is the provision for electronic transmission of results alongside manual procedures. This marks a significant shift in the country’s electoral evolution.
For decades, Nigerians have yearned for a system capable of reducing suspicion and controversy at polling and collation centres.
By giving legal backing to the IReV portal and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System as standard components of the process, lawmakers have responded to widespread calls for greater transparency.
The objective is to close the gaps in result collation that have historically fuelled allegations of manipulation and triggered unrest.
The embrace of technology also reflects growing recognition that democratic credibility in the modern era depends on reliable digital safeguards.
Minimising human discretion in sensitive stages of the process through automated systems can create a verifiable audit trail and enhance public trust.
Yet, even as the law strengthens electronic transmission, it retains manual result sheets as a complementary safeguard. For some civil society groups, this raises concerns.
However, Nigeria’s uneven telecommunications coverage, especially in remote communities, cannot be ignored. In many rural areas, network connectivity remains unstable. Power supply challenges and the global threat of cyber attacks further complicate the terrain.
Under such circumstances, retaining manual transmission as a backup appears less a retreat from reform and more a pragmatic insurance against systemic failure.
Democratic credibility must not be undermined by technological breakdown. Progress must be anchored in realism.
The responsibility for translating legal provisions into credible outcomes now rests heavily on the Independent National Electoral Commission. As 2027 approaches, the commission will be under intense scrutiny to ensure that electronic transmission works seamlessly across the federation.
Nigerians have grown impatient with logistical lapses and technical setbacks. In the next general election, excuses will find little sympathy.
The commission must demonstrate that the systems are secure, stress tested and managed by well trained personnel capable of handling digital processes with professionalism and impartiality.
The media also has a critical role. Public trust is fragile and cannot be decreed into existence.
It is built through openness and accountability. Journalists must rigorously monitor implementation of the reforms while educating citizens on the workings of the revised system.
Democratic growth is incremental, and each reform must be carefully examined and strengthened.
With the Presidential and National Assembly elections scheduled for 20 February 2027, Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment.
The Electoral Act 2026 is not merely a legal document. It is a practical instrument that will shape the country’s democratic trajectory.
Political parties must match legislative reforms with responsible conduct. The culture of desperation and winner takes all politics has often undermined even the most carefully crafted laws. Compliance with guidelines for direct primaries and internal democracy is essential if credible candidates are to emerge.
Ultimately, the success of the new framework depends on collective resolve. Citizens must resist apathy and engage actively in voter registration and participation.
Laws alone cannot secure democracy. They require vigilant enforcement and public ownership.
History may not announce its turning points with fanfare. Yet the choices made in this period will define the strength of Nigeria’s democratic institutions for years to come. The Electoral Act 2026 offers an opportunity. Whether it becomes a shield for democratic integrity or another missed chance will depend on the commitment of institutions, political actors and the electorate alike.
Leman is a former National Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ).
