The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed concern over the controversy surrounding the Senate’s position on the transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that it could undermine public trust in the electoral process.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the NGE, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the National Secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, the guild said the development is already creating doubt and mistrust among Nigerians regarding the credibility of future elections.
According to the statement, the uncertainty arising from the Senate’s adoption of provisions in the proposed 2022 Electoral Act—allowing the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate—runs contrary to the expectations of most Nigerians and many lawmakers.
The NGE warned that the public outrage generated by the decision has pitted citizens against the Senate and could discourage voter participation in future elections.
“At a time when Nigerians are calling for mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to central collation centres, and as many countries adopt electronic transmission to enhance transparency, the Senate’s position leaves much to be desired,” the statement said.
The guild described the stance as a missed opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability, adding that it undermines efforts to deepen democratic governance and ensure credible elections.
The statement noted that globally, mandatory electronic transmission of election results has become a standard practice for improving electoral credibility and efficiency, stressing that Nigeria should not be an exception.
As the Senate reconvenes to harmonise its position with that of the House of Representatives, the NGE urged the National Assembly to approve mandatory and immediate transmission of results from polling units to the INEC central server and collation centres.
The guild maintained that real-time digital transmission of results would enhance transparency, accuracy, efficiency and voter confidence, while reducing disputes, controversies and electoral fraud.
It added that Nigerians are closely watching the National Assembly and expressed hope that the harmonised Electoral Act provisions would align with contemporary and progressive electoral practices to ensure that votes truly count.