A coalition of advocacy organizations has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate following its vote on electoral reforms, warning that the approved changes could severely compromise the integrity of future elections.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, the civil society organizations described the Senate’s actions as a significant step backward for democratic accountability and electoral transparency in Nigeria. The coalition includes the Centre for Media and Society (CEMESO), Kukah Center, International Press Centre (IPC), Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa.
“Citizens must hold their National Assembly representatives accountable by demanding they prioritize public interest and electoral integrity,” the organizations stated. “This means passing provisions for real-time electronic transmission of election results and protecting the timelines essential for credible elections.”
The groups emphasized that with public confidence in the electoral process already fragile, Nigeria cannot afford legal changes that reduce transparency or weaken oversight mechanisms.
Senate’s Controversial Decisions
According to previous reports, the Senate rejected several key reform proposals, including provisions for real-time electronic transmission of election results and allowing voters to download Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) when they are missing or unissued.
The upper chamber also approved substantial reductions to electoral timelines. The required notice period for elections was cut from 360 to 180 days, while deadlines for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to submit and publish candidate lists were shortened.
Additionally, senators rejected allowing alternative identification forms for voting beyond the PVC and voted down a proposal for 10-year imprisonment for buying or selling PVCs. Instead, they maintained the current two-year sentence while raising the fine from N2 million to N5 million.
The Senate also removed Clause 142, which would have allowed parties to prove electoral non-compliance using only original or certified documents without requiring oral testimony.
Other changes included reducing the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 120 to 90 days before elections, while keeping the existing two-day ballot paper inspection procedure.
Organizations Voice Deep Concerns
The civil society coalition argued these changes undermine the transparency, certainty, and voter protections established by the Electoral Act 2022.
They warned that shortened timelines would limit institutional preparation, reduce opportunities for public oversight, and create openings for electoral manipulation.
While acknowledging the increased fine for PVC trading as positive, the groups said rejecting the 10-year ban proposal substantially weakens deterrence against vote-buying and corruption. They called for stronger penalties, including electoral disqualification for offenders.
The organizations also highlighted a striking contrast with the House of Representatives, which previously approved more reform-oriented provisions, including mandatory electronic result transmission. This discrepancy raises serious questions about the Senate’s dedication to election credibility, they said.
Notably, at least 11 senators have publicly distanced themselves from the vote. The CSOs urged other lawmakers to prioritize national interests over political considerations.
The coalition called on the National Assembly’s Conference Committee to reject the Senate’s position by adopting the House’s provisions on electronic result transmission and preserving current electoral timelines.
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