2027: Restore real-time results upload or face protests, RNA tells Senate

By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Rescue Nigeria Alliance on Friday warned the Senate to restore mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling-unit results in the amended Electoral Act or face sustained nationwide protests ahead of the 2027 general elections, declaring that any dilution of transparency amounts to an ‘assault’ on the Republic.

At a media briefing held in Abuja on Friday, the group’s National Chairman, Dr Basil Nwolisa, and National Secretary, Mr. Akor Christian Oche, said the decision of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate, to reject compulsory real-time upload of results after a clause-by-clause consideration of 155 provisions was a dangerous setback for Nigeria’s democracy.

The alliance said it had been protesting since Monday, February 9, 2026, and called for expanded, peaceful civic action from Monday, February 16, 2026, at and around the National Assembly and other symbolic locations nationwide, demanding three outcomes: mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results, full protection of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s independence and technological safeguards, and rejection of any harmonised provisions that weaken transparency.

“We therefore condemn, in the strongest terms, the decision of the National Assembly, especially the Senate, to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the newly passed Electoral Act amendment bill, after a five-hour clause-by-clause review of all 155 clauses. This decision is a direct attack on transparency, a dangerous setback for our democracy, and a reckless gamble with Nigeria’s stability as 2027 approaches,” the group said.

The alliance argued that although lawmakers reduced the timeline for INEC to publish a notice of election from 360 to 180 days, they failed to strengthen what it described as the most critical safeguard; compulsory, real-time upload of polling-unit results to the official portal, retaining instead a discretionary provision on electronic transfer of results.

“Nigerians did not ask for ambiguity; Nigerians asked for enforceable, real-time transparency that shuts the door against manipulation during manual collation,” it said.

The group linked the controversy to wider concerns about governance, insecurity and economic hardship, warning that weakening electoral safeguards in the current climate could deepen distrust.

“Credible elections are the last peaceful rescue route available to this country. Any move to dilute transparency in 2027 is an attempt to suffocate hope itself. No nation can endure when its citizens are denied both security and a fair, visible, trustworthy process for choosing their leaders,” it stated.

Addressing members of the harmonisation committee reconciling the Senate and House versions of the bill, the alliance said history would judge their actions.

“History will hold each of you personally responsible for whether you defend or betray the integrity of Nigeria’s future elections,” it said.

The group emphasised that its mobilisation was constitutional and non-violent.

“Let no one misrepresent our intent: this is not a call to disorder. It is a call to constitutional, peaceful, disciplined mass action,” it added.

Framing the 2027 elections as a defining test for Nigeria’s democracy, the alliance said transparent, technology-backed polls were the minimum standard and vowed to work with other civic and political actors nationwide to defend electoral integrity.

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