SMBLF DEMANDS COMPULSORY REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION OF ELECTION RESULTS IN 2026 ELECTORAL AMENDMENTS

The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has called for the compulsory retention of Clause 60 of the 2026 Electoral Amendment Bill, which mandates real-time electronic transmission of election results, warning that any attempt to weaken the provision poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.

In a press statement issued on Monday, the SMBLF said it was joining other patriotic Nigerians and civil groups to insist that the clause, as passed by the House of Representatives and harmonised by the Joint Conference Committee of the National Assembly, must not be altered or removed.

According to the forum, free, fair and transparent elections remain the bedrock of democracy, stressing that any effort to undermine this foundation amounts to an attack on the sovereignty of the Nigerian people.

The SMBLF highlighted the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which was introduced to enhance transparency by allowing citizens to view polling unit results in real time. The group noted that when fully backed by law, the platform eliminates secrecy, manipulation and post-election confusion.

The forum, however, expressed deep concern over reports that despite a broad section of the Senate affirming—both during executive sessions and plenary—that it voted in favour of mandatory real-time electronic transmission, the final version of the bill appeared to exclude the provision.

It said it was alarmed by what it described as credible claims that the Senate President tampered with the final version of the bill, resulting in the circulation of an unauthorised document that removed the mandatory electronic transmission clause.

The SMBLF drew attention to the public statement by the Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South Senatorial Zone, affirming that the Senate passed a bill making real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory, only for a different version to later surface.

Describing the development as unacceptable in a democratic legislature, the forum recalled the Supreme Court’s ruling during the 2023 presidential election petition, where the apex court relied on Section 60(5) of the 2022 Electoral Act, which made electronic transmission optional and left the decision to the discretion of INEC.

According to the SMBLF, that legal loophole must not be repeated, insisting that the law must be clear, firm and mandatory.

The group urged Nigerians to demand clear positions from their senators, stating that transparent voting is the lifeblood of democracy and that any senator opposed to real-time electronic transmission of results does not deserve re-election.

Addressing concerns about inadequate telecommunications coverage in some parts of the country, the SMBLF said INEC had already debunked such claims, explaining that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has inbuilt offline capability to store results and upload them once connectivity is restored. It added that this functionality was evident during the 2023 general elections until, according to widespread public belief, the system was deliberately sabotaged during the presidential poll.

The forum outlined several reasons for insisting on mandatory electronic transmission of results, including blocking opportunities for manipulation during the movement of results from polling units, strengthening public trust in elections, protecting votes—especially in vulnerable communities—and significantly reducing post-election violence and prolonged legal disputes. It also said the process would compel leaders to respect and serve the electorate.

The SMBLF warned that compromised elections produce leaders who feel no accountability to the people, a situation it said has contributed to Nigeria’s current challenges, including widespread insecurity.

The forum cited the recent massacre of over 100 citizens in Woro, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, alongside recurring killings and kidnappings across the country in the past year, as evidence of the consequences of unaccountable leadership.

It insisted that the government has a non-negotiable duty to bring the perpetrators of the Woro massacre and similar crimes to justice, describing the incident as “one tragedy too many.” The group added that in more serious countries, such a failure would have compelled a government to resign.

Reiterating its long-standing position, the SMBLF said the persistent insecurity in the country further underscores the need for state police, noting that centralised policing has clearly failed.

The forum also reaffirmed its commitment to the restructuring of Nigeria, stating that the country cannot function effectively without it. It said its position is largely based on the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference on Political Reform.

In a final warning, the SMBLF cautioned the Senate against undermining the will of the Nigerian electorate by “toying with the future of Nigeria’s democracy,” stressing that Nigerians are neither powerless nor forgetful.

“The Nigerian people are watching. History is also recording,” the statement said.

The statement was jointly signed by HRM Oba Oladipo Olaitan, Leader of the SMBLF and Leader of Afenifere; Dr. Bitrus Pogu, President of the Middle Belt Forum; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide; and Ambassador Godknows Igali, National Chairman of PANDEF.