Press Release:
Fellow Nigerians, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen:
Nigeria has entered a defining moment in its democratic journey as we move toward the 2027 general elections. We stand today with clarity of purpose and moral conviction to affirm that the struggle for credible elections is inseparable from the broader national demand for competence, integrity, and genuine service in public office. Any assault on electoral transparency is, quite simply, an assault on Nigeria’s hope for renewal.
The Rescue Nigeria Alliance (RNA) unequivocally condemns the decision of the National Assembly—particularly the Senate—to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the newly passed Electoral Act amendment bill, following a five-hour clause-by-clause consideration of all 155 clauses. This decision represents a direct attack on transparency, a dangerous setback for our democracy, and a reckless gamble with Nigeria’s stability as 2027 approaches.
Under the amendment, lawmakers reduced the timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission () to publish notice of elections from 360 to 180 days, yet refused to strengthen the most critical safeguard: compulsory, real-time upload of polling-unit results to the official portal. Instead, a weaker discretionary provision on electronic transmission was retained. Senate President has argued that electronic transmission was not removed but preserved in its old form. Nigerians, however, did not demand ambiguity—they demanded enforceable, real-time transparency that eliminates manipulation during manual collation.
This betrayal is unfolding at a time when democratic institutions are under strain, governance outcomes remain deeply troubling, and political and economic systems appear increasingly rigged against ordinary citizens. Our elections face credibility challenges. Governance too often rewards impunity over excellence. Economic hardship, insecurity, and policy inconsistency are daily realities in Nigerian households.
In a nation grappling with mass killings, displacement, and widespread insecurity, sabotaging electoral openness invites deeper distrust and potential instability. Credible elections remain the last peaceful pathway for national rescue. Any dilution of transparency in 2027 amounts to suffocating hope itself.
What distinguishes this moment is not rhetoric but resolve. A New Nigeria will not emerge through slogans, but through the courage of citizens who insist on enforceable rules that protect their votes and voices. Across the country, millions are rallying behind a vision of ethical leadership and people-centred governance. The moral energy mobilising citizens must now confront and defeat every attempt to weaken electoral safeguards.
Accordingly, the Rescue Nigeria Alliance calls on all Nigerians—opposition parties, civil society organisations, organised labour, students, professionals, faith leaders, and community stakeholders—to unite for peaceful and lawful civic action.
We have maintained a protest presence since Monday, 9 February 2026. Beginning Monday, 16 February 2026, we urge citizens of conscience to peacefully assemble at and around the National Assembly Complex in Abuja and at symbolic locations nationwide to demand:
- Mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling-unit results to the official results portal.
- Full protection of INEC’s independence and all technology-based safeguards against rigging.
- The outright rejection, by the Harmonisation Committee, of any provisions that weaken transparency in any form.
We respectfully address members of the Harmonisation Committee, including Senators , , , , , , , , and : history will record whether you defend or betray the integrity of Nigeria’s future elections. Your names will be remembered either for protecting the people’s mandate or undermining it.
Let no one misinterpret our intent. This is not a call to disorder. It is a call to constitutional, peaceful, and disciplined mass action. We urge Nigerians to assemble lawfully and with dignity to insist that the National Assembly uphold the will of the people over partisan convenience.
We encourage citizens to carry photographs and names of loved ones lost to terror, governance failures, and official neglect—a solemn reminder of what is at stake when leaders tamper with the people’s mandate.
This moment calls young Nigerians to organise and lead; professionals to contribute expertise; women to assert their rightful leadership space; workers and entrepreneurs to shape policy discourse; and citizens everywhere to reclaim ownership of their country.
The Rescue Nigeria Alliance stands ready to collaborate with all democratic forces of goodwill to mobilise ideas, people, and purpose across every ward and polling unit in disciplined pursuit of a transparent, people-driven 2027 election.
Our message is clear and non-negotiable: transparent, technology-backed elections in 2027 are the minimum democratic standard. Anything less constitutes an assault on the Republic—and Nigerians will not be silent.
History remembers the moments when nations chose principle over power; integrity over moral bankruptcy; accountability over lawlessness; transparency over secrecy; competence over incompetence; security over fear; prosperity over poverty; and the future over despair.
That moment has come again for Nigeria.
With disciplined hope and unwavering civic courage, Nigerians can and will defend their votes, protect their institutions, and reclaim their future.
Signed:
Dr. Basil Nwolisa
National Chairman
Mr. Akor Christian Oche
National Secretary
Rescue Nigeria Alliance (RNA)
