A group of CSOs has characterised the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of critical parts of the electoral amendment as an attack on the credibility of the voting process.
On Friday, February 6, 2026, the coalition reportedly told reporters in Benin this in a statement that was made public, according to Gistcon.
Elect Her, CEMESO, Kukah Centre, International Press Centre, IPC, Yiaga Africa, TAF Africa, and the Nigerian Women Trust Fund are all part of the coalition.
Some of the most important legislative reforms needed to increase trust, participation, and openness in the political process were reportedly shot down by the Senate.
It said the alterations make electoral manipulation more likely, limit institutional readiness, and reduce public monitoring.
The group outlined the major amendment elements that the Senate rejected, including the ability for voters to access and download voter IDs that have been lost or never issued, the prohibition of electronic transmission of election results, and the drastic shortening of crucial election timetables.
Other changes include shortening the time it takes for INEC to publish nominations from 150 to 60 days, reducing the deadline for political parties to submit candidate lists from 180 to 90 days, and shortening the notice period for elections from 360 to 180 days.
In addition, the organization brought attention to the fact that the plan to ban vote-buying and corruption in Nigeria’s elections would be weakened if the planned 10-year ban is rejected.
It argued that in order to safeguard the ballot and restore public faith in democratic institutions, harsher punishments, such as electoral disqualification, are required.
It went on to say that the Senate’s actions were a turn away from the Electoral Act 2022’s guiding principles of openness, certainty, and voting rights.
The judgements made by the Senate go counter to the progressive stance that the House of Representatives had previously taken, which raises doubts about the Senate’s dedication to fair elections.
Citizens’ faith in the electoral process, INEC’s ability to hold credible elections, and the perceived self-interest of politicians should all be prioritised in any legal revisions.
“Nigeria cannot afford legal provisions that narrow transparency, weaken oversight, or privilege political convenience over democratic integrity,” the statement stated, adding that public trust in elections is low.
Even while the coalition welcomed the Senate’s move to double the fine for crimes using PVCs (Permanent Voters’ Cards), from ₦1 million to ₦5 million, they claimed it does not go far enough in creating a robust deterrence system.
Take use of the opportunity presented by the Conference Committee of the two Chambers to demand that the Senate review the revisions. The body asked people, INEC, and other stakeholders to do just that.
The CSOs urged other senators to put party politics aside and prioritise the nation’s interest by demanding that the Senate change its stance, implement real-time electronic results transmission, and keep the current schedules for important pre-election activities. Eleven senators had previously issued a statement distancing themselves from the vote of the Senate.
Additionally, we agree with the House of Representatives’ stance on mandating the electronic transmission of data in real-time, which includes the ability to compare these results with hard copies.
To ensure smooth planning, organization, and election certainty, we strongly recommend that the Senate uphold the current statutory deadlines for election notification, party primaries, and candidate lists.
In order for the National Assembly to send the President the final law within a week, the harmonisation procedure must be completed quickly.
“As important players in the election, we encourage the public to hold their representatives in the National Assembly responsible for representing their interests. We ask them to pass legislation that will ensure the integrity of the elections by allowing the electronic transmission of results in real-time and to resist any effort to undermine the timelines that are vital for holding credible elections,” the group demanded.