NLC threatens nationwide protests, boycott over ‘confusion’ in e-transmission of election results rules

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned that it may organise nationwide protests or boycott elections over what it describes as inconsistent and unclear positions by the Senate on amendments to the Electoral Act, especially on the electronic transmission of election results.

The union accused the Senate of eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process by failing to clearly state whether the electronic transmission of results will be compulsory.

In a statement issued on Sunday, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the Congress is deeply concerned about the conflicting explanations coming from the Senate regarding amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on result transmission.

The NLC said the Senate’s lack of clarity threatens electoral integrity and public trust, stressing that Nigerians deserve a transparent system in which votes are not only counted but are clearly seen to be counted.

According to the Congress, public records indicate that the Senate rejected a proposal to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time, instead retaining a provision that leaves the method to INEC’s discretion. The NLC said this decision has caused widespread anxiety, while subsequent explanations have only worsened the confusion.

The union warned that legislative ambiguity at such a critical period after the 2023 general elections could entrench doubt within the electoral system.

The NLC demanded that the Senate issue an immediate, official and unambiguous statement clarifying the exact provisions passed, including the final wording and the reasons behind its decision. It also urged the National Assembly leadership to ensure that the harmonisation process produces a final bill with clear and precise provisions, noting that any ambiguity in result transmission and collation undermines democracy.

The Congress insisted that the amended Electoral Act must clearly mandate INEC to transmit and collate results electronically from polling units in real time. It warned that failure to do so could trigger mass action before, during and after elections, or lead to a total election boycott, adding that Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely.

The warning followed the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 at its third reading on 4 February 2026. During deliberations, the Senate rejected an amendment to Clause 60(3) that would have made electronic transmission mandatory, opting instead to retain INEC’s discretionary powers.

The decision sparked public outrage and criticism from opposition parties and civil society groups, who argue that reliance on manual collation heightens the risk of manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections. The stance also contrasts with that of the House of Representatives, which had approved mandatory electronic transmission, necessitating a conference committee to reconcile both versions of the bill.

Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the Senate did not abolish electronic transmission but merely removed the term “real time” to avoid legal and technical challenges. He said the change gives INEC flexibility to choose suitable transmission methods, considering network and security concerns, and reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to laws that reflect the will of Nigerians.

Despite the controversy, the amendment bill introduces further reforms, including digital voter identification through QR codes and stiffer penalties for electoral offences.