Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, Samson Itodo, has criticised the Nigerian Senate over its handling of the Electoral Act amendment process, accusing lawmakers of undermining important electoral reforms achieved in recent years.
The civil society advocate expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding electronic transmission of election results, warning that the Senate’s position could weaken public trust in future elections.
Electronic Transmission Debate Sparks Outrage
The controversy intensified after reports emerged that the Senate declined to make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory within the amended Electoral Act.
The development immediately generated reactions from election observers, civil society organisations, and political stakeholders across the country.
Many critics argued that removing or weakening such provisions could negatively affect transparency during elections.
Samson Itodo Says Senate Betrayed Public Trust
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Samson Itodo described the Senate’s actions as a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress.
According to him, reforms introduced under the 2022 Electoral Act had significantly improved confidence in the electoral process.
He argued that reversing or weakening those gains would damage public trust ahead of future elections.
According to Gossip News Now, Itodo stated that Nigerians expected lawmakers to strengthen electoral transparency rather than create fresh uncertainty around election procedures.
Controversy Linked To Clause 60 Amendment
The disagreement centered around the Senate’s rejection of proposed changes to Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the Electoral Act amendment bill.
The amendment reportedly sought to clearly establish electronic transmission of election results as a legal requirement.
Supporters of the proposal argued that explicitly including electronic transmission within the law would eliminate future legal ambiguity.
Akpabio’s Clarification Generated More Debate
Following public criticism, Senate President Godswill Akpabio reportedly clarified that the Senate had not completely rejected electronic transmission of election results.
However, the explanation did little to calm concerns among election reform advocates and civic organisations.
Several stakeholders continued questioning whether the final Senate position truly protected transparent election procedures.
Itodo Disagrees With Senate Position
Reacting to the clarification, Samson Itodo argued that relying solely on guidelines from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) may not provide sufficient legal protection.
He referenced previous court rulings connected to the 2023 elections, noting that the judiciary had indicated electronic transmission must be clearly stated within the law itself.
According to him, that legal gap was exactly what the amendment process was originally expected to address.
House Of Representatives Position Highlighted
The YIAGA Africa executive director also pointed to the version reportedly passed by the House of Representatives, which included references to electronic transmission and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (iREV).
He suggested that the House version more accurately reflected recommendations from stakeholders and public consultations.
The comments further intensified ongoing disagreements surrounding the amendment process.
Concerns Raised Ahead Of 2027 Elections
Beyond electronic transmission, Samson Itodo additionally warned that some proposed adjustments to election timelines could complicate preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He explained that compressed timelines may affect logistics, planning, and operational efficiency during nationwide polls.
The activist stressed that poorly structured election preparations could create avoidable confusion during future electoral exercises.
Calls For Accountability Continue
The latest controversy has renewed public conversations about electoral credibility, democratic reforms, and the responsibilities of lawmakers.
Civil society groups continue demanding greater transparency and broader consultation before final amendments are concluded.
Observers believe the final outcome of the Electoral Act review may significantly influence public confidence ahead of future elections.
Commentary And Analysis
The criticism from Samson Itodo reflects broader national concerns about preserving electoral reforms introduced in recent years.
Debates surrounding electronic transmission continue symbolising larger struggles over transparency, trust, and accountability within Nigeria’s democratic process.
The situation also demonstrates how civil society organisations remain central voices in pushing for stronger electoral safeguards and institutional credibility.
