The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has warned that Nigerians may lose more interest in voting if transparency is not guaranteed ahead of the 2027 general elections. The group raised concerns after the Senate rejected a proposal that would make real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026.

Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, CITAD’s Executive Director, Comrade Y. Z. Ya’u, said the Senate’s decision weakens public confidence in the electoral process. He explained that many Nigerians welcomed INEC’s earlier promise to transmit results electronically, seeing it as a way to reduce manipulation and improve accountability during elections.

Ya’u noted that problems in past elections, including those in 2023, often happened during result collation rather than at polling units. According to him, electronic transmission would help prevent these issues and strengthen election petitions. He added that rejecting key provisions in the amended bill sends a negative message to voters who expect credible and transparent elections.

CITAD also warned that voter turnout could continue to decline if trust in the system is not restored. The group criticised the delay in passing the amendment, especially as INEC is expected to release the 2027 election timetable soon. It stressed that continued uncertainty over the electoral law could damage the credibility of the upcoming polls.