The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday expressed its support for electronic transmission of results in the 2027 elections, while warning the Senate regarding ongoing confusion surrounding the proposal.
The NLC voiced serious concerns about the contradictory statements coming from the Senate regarding amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly concerning the electronic transmission of results.
Labour threatened to organize a mass boycott if real-time e-transmission is not implemented.
Joe Ajaero, the union’s president, stated in a Sunday announcement that the lack of clarity could “undermine public trust,” emphasizing that this situation is “deeply troubling for our democracy.”
The NLC insisted that Nigerians deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but are also visibly counted.
They called on the Senate to provide an immediate, clear, and official account of its proceedings and final decisions.
According to the NLC, “public records indicate that the proposed amendment to require INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not accepted, and the existing discretionary provision remains in place.”
This has caused widespread concern across the nation, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion.
The NLC highlighted that such legislative uncertainty threatens to institutionalize doubt regarding electoral integrity and recalls previous controversies that have caused national distress.
The NLC urged the Senate to ensure clarity and transparency, stating that “the Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale.
The leadership of the National Assembly must also ensure that the harmonization process results in a final bill with clear provisions; any ambiguity regarding the transmission and collation of results is detrimental to our democracy.
“We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear. The amended Act must provide a clear mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time.”
The NLC emphasized that the approach to the 2027 elections must be based on certainty, not confusion. They noted that Nigerian workers and citizens are closely monitoring the situation and that the NLC is actively advocating for clarity and integrity.
“We will not remain passive while the trust of Nigerians is once again betrayed and the clarity of our electoral laws is compromised.
“Failure to implement real-time electronic transmission will lead to mass action before, during, and after the election, or a complete boycott of the election.
“Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity,” it said.
