Make immediate transmission of election results mandatory, NGE tells Senate

Make immediate transmission of election results mandatory, NGE tells Senate

By Jeffrey Agbo

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep concern over the controversy surrounding the Senate’s position on the transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

This development, the guild said, is already creating room for doubt and mistrust in the electoral process among Nigerians.

The elite group of journalists noted that the resulting public outrage has pitted citizens against the Senate and could potentially discourage voter participation in future elections.

“Globally, mandatory electronic transmission of election results has become a standard for improving electoral credibility and efficiency,” the guild said in a statement Monday signed by its president Eze Anaba and general secretary Onuoha Ukeh.

“Nigeria should not be an exception. As the Senate reconvenes tomorrow (February 10, 2026), to harmonise its position with that of the House of Representatives, the National Assembly still has an opportunity to uphold the highest standards of electoral integrity by approving mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC central server and collation centres. 

“Such a decision would lay a solid foundation for free and fair elections and help deepen democracy.

“The digitalisation of elections—anchored on real-time transmission of results—will enhance transparency, efficiency, accuracy, and voter confidence. It will also streamline election result management, reduce disputes, minimise controversies, and significantly curb electoral fraud.

“Electoral reforms, when combined with digital innovation, strengthen democratic processes and boost public trust. Making the transmission of election results mandatory and immediate is therefore critical to achieving credible elections in Nigeria.

“Nigerians are watching the National Assembly closely on this issue. We expect that, in the harmonised provisions of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the transmission of election results from polling units to INEC central servers and collation centres will be made mandatory and immediate.”

The NGE said anything short of this would be out of step with contemporary and progressive electoral practices. 

“Mandatory and immediate transmission of election results will not only enhance free and fair elections but also give Nigerians the confidence that their votes will truly count,” it added.