The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned the Senate’s decision to reject an amendment seeking to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory, describing the move as a major setback to democratic accountability and electoral transparency in the country.
In a statement jointly signed by the National President of CDHR, Debo Adeniran, and the National Publicity Secretary, Jeremiah Onyibe, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki, the group accused lawmakers of undermining the democratic rights of Nigerians and weakening public confidence in the electoral system.
The organisation argued that by refusing to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory, the Senate has chosen “ambiguity over transparency and discretion over certainty,” warning that the decision could expose future elections to manipulation, violence, and result falsification.
CDHR noted that in a nation with a history of disputed elections, legally guaranteeing real-time electronic transmission is essential for credible polls.
Rejecting claims that granting discretionary powers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is sufficient, the group insisted that strong legal safeguards are necessary to protect the electoral process.
According to the CDHR, leaving critical reforms to administrative discretion risks abuse and could further erode trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
The human rights body described the Senate’s action as anti-democratic and contrary to the aspirations of millions of Nigerians who seek transparent governance and credible leadership.
It warned that such decisions could deepen public frustration at a time when citizens are already grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and political exclusion.
While urging calm, CDHR cautioned that actions perceived to undermine electoral integrity could provoke widespread democratic resistance.
The group emphasized that Nigerians have the constitutional right to defend their votes through lawful and peaceful civic engagement.
The CDHR therefore called on the National Assembly to urgently revisit its decision and enshrine mandatory electronic transmission of election results into law.
It also urged civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups, and pro-democracy advocates to remain vigilant and mobilize against attempts to weaken electoral transparency, stressing that democracy must be anchored on clear laws that protect the will of the people.
