Civil Groups Slam Senate Vote on Electoral Bill, Warn of Threat to Credible Polls

Civil society organisations have condemned the Nigerian Senate’s vote on key provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, describing the decision as a major setback to electoral transparency, inclusion, and public confidence in the democratic process.

In a joint statement issued on February 5, 2026, the groups expressed deep concern over the Senate’s rejection of proposals mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results and allowing voters to download missing or unissued Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs). They also faulted the Senate for approving significant reductions to critical electoral timelines, warning that the changes could undermine institutional preparedness and weaken public oversight.

Under the amendments passed by the Senate, the notice period for elections was reduced from 360 to 180 days, the deadline for political parties to submit candidates’ lists cut from 180 to 90 days, and the timeframe for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish nominations shortened from 150 to 60 days. According to the organisations, these adjustments increase the risk of electoral manipulation and compromise the credibility of future elections.

While acknowledging the Senate’s decision to raise the fine for offences related to the buying and selling of PVCs to ₦5 million, the groups said the measure falls short of an effective deterrent. They criticised the rejection of a proposed 10-year ban on offenders, arguing that stronger sanctions, including electoral disqualification, are necessary to curb vote-buying and electoral corruption.

The organisations noted that the Senate’s position represents a retreat from the principles that guided the passage of the Electoral Act 2022 and contrasts sharply with the more progressive stance earlier adopted by the House of Representatives. They also referenced a statement by eleven Senators who dissociated themselves from the vote and called on other lawmakers to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations.

The groups urged the Conference Committee of the National Assembly to reverse the Senate’s position by adopting compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results, retaining existing statutory timelines for key pre-election activities, and concluding the harmonisation process swiftly to enable the transmission of the final bill to the President.

The statement was signed by the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Kukah Center, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa, who called on citizens to demand accountability from their representatives and insist on electoral reforms that protect the integrity of Nigeria’s elections.