Abuja, February 17, 2026 — The Rescue Nigeria Alliance (RNA) has strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate for passing the harmonized version of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill 2026 while retaining Clause 60(3), a provision that does not make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory.
In a statement issued on Monday, the group described the decision as a setback for electoral transparency and democratic progress, arguing that the clause leaves room for discretion in the transmission of results where clarity and certainty are required.
According to the RNA, maintaining Clause 60(3) weakens safeguards designed to promote credibility in Nigeria’s electoral system, particularly at a time when public confidence in election integrity remains fragile. The group stated that transparency in the collation and transmission of results should be compulsory rather than optional.
Beyond concerns over electronic transmission, the RNA also raised objections to the revised electoral timelines introduced in the bill.
Under the new provisions:
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Notice of election has been reduced from 360 days to 300 days before polling.
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Political parties are now required to submit candidate nominations 120 days before elections, instead of the previous 180 days.
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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is mandated to publish the final list of candidates at least 60 days before elections, down from 150 days.
The alliance argued that the compressed timelines could create operational and legal challenges, potentially leading to logistical difficulties, administrative errors, and an increase in pre-election disputes.
It maintained that elections in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria require adequate preparation time and broad coordination among stakeholders. Shortening key preparatory phases, the group warned, may undermine confidence in the electoral process rather than improve efficiency.
The RNA called on the House of Representatives to reconsider provisions it believes weaken electoral transparency. It also urged civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and the public to engage actively in discussions around the proposed amendments.
Additionally, the group appealed to the Executive to withhold assent to any legislation it considers detrimental to credible and verifiable elections.
“The right of Nigerians to transparent and credible elections is fundamental to democratic governance,” the statement said, emphasizing that ongoing reforms should strengthen, rather than dilute, accountability mechanisms.
The statement was signed by Chief Tochukwu Ezeoke, Publicity Secretary of the Rescue Nigeria Alliance.
