Real-Time Result Transmission Non-Negotiable for Credible 2027 Polls – Ezekwesili

Former Minister of Education and founder of the FixPolitics Initiative, Obiageli Ezekwesili, has declared that mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results is essential for Nigeria to conduct credible elections in 2027.

Ezekwesili made the statement on Monday as protesters stormed the National Assembly for the second consecutive week, urging lawmakers to retain compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.

The demonstrators, comprising civil society organisations including Situation Room and ActionAid, called for the complete elimination of manual collation of results, warning that it creates opportunities for manipulation during the collation process.

Security operatives barricaded the entrances to the National Assembly complex, compelling the protesters to hold their demonstration outside the gates.

The protest followed a five-day legislative break after assurances were reportedly given during last Tuesday’s plenary session.

Addressing the crowd, Ezekwesili urged the Senate to mandate the direct transmission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). She stressed that democracy cannot flourish in secrecy, noting that transparency is not optional but fundamental to credible elections and public trust.

According to her, failure to ensure real-time transmission would leave the electorate’s mandate vulnerable to manipulation during result collation. She argued that electronic transmission would strengthen electoral integrity, reduce post-election disputes and restore citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.

Ezekwesili also called on lawmakers to rise above partisan and personal interests while considering the proposed amendments, urging them to prioritise national interest.

It will be recalled that the Senate reconvened for an emergency plenary last Tuesday to revisit its earlier decision on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. During the session, Senate Chief Whip, Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), moved a motion to remove the phrase “real-time” and replace the word “transmission” with “transfer”, a proposal that has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups.

The Senate is expected to reconvene on Tuesday, February 17, at 11 a.m., to continue deliberations on the matter and other national issues.