Abuja, February 13, 2026 — The Rescue Nigeria Alliance has strongly condemned the decision of the National Assembly of Nigeria, particularly the Nigerian Senate, to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act, describing the move as a “direct attack on transparency” and a setback for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the group said the 2027 elections represent a defining test for Nigeria’s democratic future and warned that any dilution of electoral safeguards could undermine public trust and national stability.
The Alliance criticized lawmakers for refusing to adopt compulsory real-time upload of polling-unit results to the official results portal, despite conducting a five-hour clause-by-clause review of all 155 clauses of the amendment bill. While the amendment reportedly reduced the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish notices of election from 360 days to 180 days, it retained what the group described as a “weaker, discretionary” provision on electronic transmission of results.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had maintained that electronic transmission was not removed but preserved in its previous form — a position the Alliance dismissed as an attempt to “camouflage” a retreat from enforceable transparency.
“Nigerians did not ask for ambiguity,” the statement read. “They asked for enforceable, real-time transparency that shuts the door against manipulation during manual collation.”
The group linked the controversy to broader concerns about governance, insecurity, and economic hardship, arguing that credible elections remain the “last peaceful rescue route” for national renewal. It warned that weakening electoral openness in a country grappling with insecurity and public distrust could fuel deeper instability.
The Alliance has called for peaceful and lawful civic action, urging Nigerians to assemble at the National Assembly complex in Abuja and other symbolic locations nationwide from Monday, February 16, 2026, to press for reforms.
Among its key demands are:
- Mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the official portal.
- Full protection of INEC’s independence and all technology-based safeguards against electoral manipulation.
- Rejection by the harmonisation committee of any provisions that weaken transparency in the amended law.
The group specifically addressed members of the Senate–House harmonisation committee, co-chaired on the Senate side by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire and including Senators Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpeyong, Aminu Abass, Tokunbo Abiru and Simon Lalong, urging them to “defend the integrity of Nigeria’s future elections.”
Emphasizing that its call is not an invitation to disorder, the Alliance stressed that its campaign would remain constitutional, peaceful and disciplined. It also encouraged citizens to participate in civic engagement efforts aimed at safeguarding electoral integrity.
“The struggle for clean elections and the struggle for accountable leadership are two sides of the same coin,” the statement concluded. “Transparent, technology-backed elections in 2027 are the minimum standard. Anything less is an assault on the Republic, and Nigerians will not be silent.”
The statement was jointly signed by Dr. Basil Nwolisa, National Chairman, and Mr. Akor Christian Oche, National Secretary of the Rescue Nigeria Alliance.
