NLC Threatens Mass Action Over Senate’s ‘Ambiguity’ on Electronic Transmission of Results

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Senate of weakening public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process over what it described as unclear and conflicting positions on electronic transmission of election results.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the labour union was deeply troubled by the confusion surrounding the Senate’s amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly the provisions relating to the transmission of results.

According to the NLC, the absence of a clear and mandatory directive on electronic transmission poses a serious threat to electoral transparency and public trust.

“Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but are seen to be counted,” the statement said.

The labour body noted that available records indicate the Senate rejected a proposal that would have compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time, opting instead to retain a discretionary clause.

“This decision has generated widespread apprehension across the country, and the explanations that followed have only deepened the confusion,” the NLC said, warning that such legislative uncertainty could entrench doubts within the electoral system at a critical post-2023 election period.

The Congress demanded that the Senate immediately issue a clear and official explanation detailing the exact provisions passed, including the final wording of the bill and the reasoning behind the decision.

It also urged the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives produces a final bill with unambiguous provisions.

“Any lack of clarity in the transmission and collation of election results is a disservice to our democracy,” the NLC stated.

The labour union insisted that the amended Electoral Act must expressly mandate INEC to transmit and collate results electronically from polling units in real time. It warned that failure to include such a provision could lead to nationwide protests or a boycott of future elections.

“Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely,” the statement added, stressing the need for clarity and integrity in electoral legislation.

The warning follows the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026, which scaled third reading on February 4, 2026.

During deliberations, the upper chamber rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) that sought to make electronic transmission of results mandatory. The rejected clause would have required INEC presiding officers to upload polling unit results to the IReV portal in real time after signing and stamping result sheets.

Instead, the Senate retained the existing provision that allows results to be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission,” effectively preserving INEC’s discretion over the process.

The decision sparked public backlash and criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that reliance on discretionary or manual collation increases the risk of manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Senate’s position also differs from that of the House of Representatives, which had earlier approved mandatory electronic transmission. This discrepancy now necessitates a conference committee to harmonise both versions of the bill before it is forwarded to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

Responding to the controversy, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate did not abolish electronic transmission of results but merely removed the phrase “real time” to avoid legal and technical complications.

According to him, the amendment gives INEC flexibility to determine the most appropriate method of transmission in view of network coverage and security concerns, while reaffirming the Senate’s commitment to electoral reforms that reflect the will of Nigerians.

Beyond the disputed clause, the amendment bill also introduces other reforms, including digital voter identification using QR codes and tougher penalties for electoral offences.