Lagos, February 5, 2026 — The Collective Movement (TCM), a prominent socio-political organisation, has condemned the National Assembly’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the action as a charade that threatens Nigeria’s democratic progress.
TCM warned that the decision undermines electoral transparency and risks eroding public confidence in future elections.
On Wednesday, the Senate passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill governing federal, state, and FCT area council elections.
However, lawmakers rejected a critical amendment to Clause 60(3) that sought to make it mandatory for presiding officers to electronically transmit polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real time.
Reacting to the development, TCM’s National Leader, Mr. Oti Paul Obinna, called on Nigerians to demand a technology-driven electoral system capable of curbing election-related violence, thuggery, and manipulation.
“We must rise to demand a modern electoral process in Nigeria,” Obinna said. “How can we claim to be the ‘Giant of Africa’ while spending more on elections than countries like South Africa, which deploy advanced electoral technologies, yet cling to archaic methods designed to serve the hidden interests of those in power?”
TCM emphasised that real-time electronic transmission of results through IReV is vital to the credibility of elections, noting its key benefits:
Enhanced Transparency: Enables citizens to monitor results immediately as they are announced at polling units.
Reduced Disputes: Public access to results limits allegations of manipulation and post-election litigation.
Improved Accuracy: Electronic transmission eliminates human error and delays associated with manual collation.
Public Confidence: Real-time verification reduces uncertainty and tensions that often lead to post-election unrest.
While INEC has consistently promoted IReV as a transparency tool, TCM expressed concern that the Senate’s refusal to make its use mandatory signals a dangerous regression in electoral integrity.
TCM therefore called on all well-meaning Nigerians to reject this move and demand an electoral system that genuinely reflects the will of the people.
“The Godswill Akpabio-led Senate appears determined to stall democratic progress,” Obinna added. “Nigerians must remain vigilant to ensure that our votes are not only cast, but properly counted and transparently transmitted.”
About The Collective Movement (TCM):
The Collective Movement (TCM) is a nationwide, people-driven platform dedicated to reshaping Nigeria’s political and socio-economic future. With structures across all 36 states, the FCT, and at the ward level, TCM is committed to citizen empowerment and the promotion of a transparent, technology-driven, and equitable Nigeria.
