Civil Society Leader Clement Nwankwo Calls on Nigerians to Resist Senate's 'Dangerous' Electoral Act Changes"

 

Clement Nwankwo, the Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and convener of the Civil Society Situation Room, has called on Nigerians to vocally oppose what he describes as a "dangerous" version of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill recently passed by the Senate.

He emphasized that these changes could erode public trust, facilitate manipulation, and hinder transparent elections. Nwankwo specifically encouraged Nigerians to advocate for the adoption of the House of Representatives' version of the bill, which reportedly includes stronger reforms on result transmission and other transparency measures.

The bill, now passed by both chambers in different forms, awaits harmonization by a conference committee before potential transmission to the President for assent. Civil society groups and observers have echoed similar alarms, noting that delays and weak reforms threaten preparations for 2027, including INEC's required 360-day election notice period.

Nwankwo's call highlights broader fears that without genuine electoral strengthening—such as compulsory real-time electronic uploads—Nigeria's democracy could face setbacks, increasing risks of disputes and reduced voter confidence.