The Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on Thursday has drawn sharp criticism from experts, who warn that the rejection of real-time transmission of election results could undermine public trust in Nigeria’s elections.

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs analyst, condemned the National Assembly’s decision, describing it as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He said the lawmakers’ refusal to approve key electoral reforms reflects a deliberate attempt to devalue citizens’ votes.

“It is one assault too many. The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them and continue to take the people for granted,” Shehu said.

He warned that by rejecting reforms such as mandatory electronic transmission of election results, the Senate is sending a dangerous signal that votes may no longer matter.

“When votes do not count, there is no point in voting,” he stated.

Shehu compared the Senate’s action to major global disasters, saying: “It can be likened to HIV, Ebola, and a tsunami combined.” He added that the damage to democracy could be long-lasting.

He also criticized the political system for failing to maintain checks and balances, asserting that the executive, legislature, and judiciary are no longer holding one another accountable.

“When the executive, judiciary, and legislature, who are supposed to check each other, are actively aligned, reforms become a mirage—a dream within a dream,” Shehu said.

He further alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has become compromised, serving as a tool for presidential interests. “INEC is expected to do the bidding of the president, ensuring a win regardless of the actual votes,” he claimed.

According to Shehu, the continued weakening of democratic institutions risks causing Nigerians to question the country’s future. “Fewer than two million people are determining the lives, livelihoods, and commerce of over 250 million Nigerians,” he said.

Electoral Act Amendment Seen as Political Strategy for 2027 – NNPP

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State described the recent Electoral Act amendment as a calculated political move by the ruling party to gain an advantage ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Engr. Ibrahim Karaye, NNPP Kano State Publicity Secretary, said the Senate’s decision was a deliberate strategy to influence future elections.

“I see it as a deliberate political move by the ruling party. The 2023 election was one of the closest contests in Nigeria’s history, with very little difference between the candidates,” Karaye said.

He noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged as president with minority votes, a result he said has made the ruling party uncomfortable with a fully transparent electoral process going forward.

“President Tinubu is the only president in this democratic dispensation to win with minority votes. The ruling party is now planning to maneuver the 2027 elections in its favor,” Karaye added.

Karaye said the rejection of key electoral reforms, including mandatory electronic transmission of results, is aimed at weakening transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Despite these concerns, he stressed that Nigerians remain determined to participate actively in elections.

“I don’t believe this decision will reduce voter confidence or turnout. Citizens are motivated to come out en masse and shape their destiny,” he said.

He emphasized that Nigerians are increasingly politically aware and understand the stakes ahead of the 2027 polls.

“This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that resources meant for citizens’ welfare are being diverted to political campaigns and preparations for the 2027 elections,” Karaye said.

He urged Nigerians to stay vigilant and actively defend their electoral rights. “Every citizen must participate fully to prevent rigging and voter manipulation. Protecting democracy requires collective, lawful civic engagement, and no vote should be taken for granted,” he concluded.