By Abiola Olawale
As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a warning to the Senate regarding the ongoing review of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.
The organized labor body cautioned lawmakers that any “vague or discretionary” language in the law could trigger a massive crisis of confidence in the next election cycle.
The warning comes on the heels of the Senate’s recent decision to reject a clause that would have mandated the real-time electronic transmission of results.
In a statement released by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC emphasized that Nigerians are demanding “certainty, not suggestions” from their legal framework.
NLC also accused the Senate of sending conflicting signals on the issue of electronic transmission of election results, urging lawmakers to immediately clarify their final position in the interest of transparency, democratic integrity, and national stability.
The statement reads: “NLC expresses deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results.
“This lack of clarity undermines public trust and is deeply troubling for our democracy. The Nigerian people deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted. We urge the Senate to provide an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions.
“Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained. This has generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion.
“At a critical juncture following the 2023 elections, such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that have caused national distress.
“Therefore, the NLC demands immediate clarity and transparency. The Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale.
“The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy.
“We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear. The amended Act must provide an unambiguous mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time. The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion. Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely.
“The NLC is working within its networks to advocate for clarity and integrity. We will not stand by while the trusts of Nigerians are betrayed again and the clarity of our electoral laws compromised. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now.
“A people united, can never be defeated! Workers united, can never be defeated!”
