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A coalition of Civil Society Organisations has described the rejection of some key provisions in the electoral amendment by the Nigerian Senate as a setback to electoral integrity.
DAILY POST reports that the coalition stated this on Friday, February 6, 2026, in a statement made available to newsmen in Benin.
The coalition comprises the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO, Kukah Centre, International Press Centre, IPC, Elect Her, Nigerian Women Trust Fund, TAF Africa, and Yiaga Africa.
The statement opined that the Senate rejected some of the most consequential legal changes required to strengthen electoral transparency, inclusion, and credibility.
It stated that the changes weaken public scrutiny, constrain institutional preparedness, and increase the risk of electoral manipulation.
The coalition listed some of the key provisions rejected by the Senate in the amendment to include allowing voters to download missing or unissued voter cards, blocking the electronic transmission of election results, and significantly compressing critical electoral timelines.
Others include the reduction of the notice period for elections from 360 to 180 days, the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 180 to 90 days, and the timeframe for INEC to publish nominations slashed from 150 to 60 days.
The group also noted that the rejection of the proposed 10-year ban weakens accountability for electoral malpractice and undermines efforts to curb vote-buying and corruption in Nigeria’s electoral process.
It posited that stronger sanctions, including electoral disqualification, are necessary to protect the integrity of the ballot and restore public confidence in democratic institutions.
It added that the Senate’s decisions represented a retreat from the principles of transparency, certainty, and voter rights that underpinned the passage of the Electoral Act 2022.
“The Senate decisions also contrast with the more progressive position earlier adopted by the House of Representatives, deepening concerns about the Senate’s commitment to credible elections.
“Legal amendments must privilege citizens’ confidence in the electoral process, strengthen INEC’s capacity to conduct credible elections, and limit the perceived self-interest of politicians.
“At a time when public trust in elections remains fragile, Nigeria cannot afford legal provisions that narrow transparency, weaken oversight, or privilege political convenience over democratic integrity,” it said.
While describing the Senate’s decision to increase the fine for offences related to the buying and selling of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to ₦5 million as a step in the right direction, the coalition said the decision still falls short of establishing a strong deterrent framework.
The body urged citizens, INEC, and all stakeholders to demand that the Senate reconsider the amendments by seizing the opportunity of the Conference Committee of the two Chambers.
The CSOs, which endorsed the statement issued by eleven Senators dissociating themselves from the Senate’s vote, also called on other Senators to place the national interest above partisan considerations by insisting that the Senate reverse its position, adopt real-time electronic transmission of results, and retain the existing timelines for key pre-election activities.
“We also adopt the position of the House of Representatives approving compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results, including the comparison of electronically transmitted results with physical copies.
“We urge the Senate to retain existing statutory timelines for notice of elections, party primaries, and publication of candidates’ lists to safeguard planning, logistics, and electoral certainty.
“Conclude the harmonisation process expeditiously for the National Assembly to transmit the final bill to the President within one week.
“As key stakeholders in the electoral process, we urge citizens to demand accountable representation from their legislators in the National Assembly by pressuring them to prioritise public interest and the integrity of the elections by passing the provisions on real-time electronic transmission of election results and resisting any attempt to weaken established timelines that are crucial for conducting credible elections,” the group demanded.
Electoral Act Amendment: Setback to electoral integrity – Coalition of CSOs
