—–Calls for Immediate Reversal

February 6, 2026/BudgIT

Open Alliance strongly condemns the decision of the 10th Nigerian Senate to step down the use of electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections and beyond. This decision represents a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress and undermines years of efforts to strengthen
electoral transparency, credibility, and public trust.

Electronic transmission of results is a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation, result tampering, and post-election disputes. By limiting or removing this tool, the Senate risks reopening long-standing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process; vulnerabilities that have historically fueled public distrust, litigation, and political instability.

At a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability and when technology offers proven solutions to improve electoral integrity, this decision sends the wrong signal to citizens, election observers, and the international community.

Open Alliance notes that electronic transmission of results is not a partisan issue. It is a democratic imperative that protects the votes of Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines. Therefore, the Senate should be working to strengthen its implementation, address genuine logistical concerns, and empower INEC to deliver elections that reflect the true choice of voters.

Open Alliance therefore calls on the Nigerian Senate to immediately rescind this decision and recommit to
reforms that promote free, fair, and credible elections. We also urge lawmakers to engage civil society organizations, election experts, and citizens in open consultations aimed at improving, not undermining the
integrity of the 2027 general elections.

Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the electoral process is transparent, secure, and trusted by the
people. Anything less threatens the foundation of our democratic republic.

#Signed,

21st Century Community Empowerment for Youth and Women Initiative Accountability Lab

Acthub for Sustainable Development Foundation (Acthub)

Budgit Foundation

Center for Accountability and Inclusive Development (CAAID)

Center for Inclusive Social Development (CISD)

Center for Peace Education and Community Development

Divine Era Development and Social Rights Initiative (DEDASRI)

Enough is Enough (EIE)

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria)

Gee Foundation for Social Justice and Development

Institutional and Sustainable Development Foundation

International Peace and Civic Responsibility Center (IPCRC)

Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative (PLSI)

People’s Empowerment Forum (PEF)

Policy Alert

SHI Africa

Socio-Economic Research and Development Center (SERDEC)

Upline Center for Development (UCD)