Guild of Editors urges NASS to mandate real-time transmission of election results

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed serious concern over the Senate’s position on the transmission of election results, warning that the current approach risks undermining public trust in the 2027 general elections.

In a press statement issued on Monday, signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the guild criticised the Senate for allowing the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate, a move the NGE said contradicts the expectations of Nigerians and many lawmakers.

“The uncertainty arising from the Senate’s adoption of provisions allowing for the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate is creating room for doubt and mistrust in the electoral process,” the statement said.

The NGE emphasised that mandatory electronic transmission of results is widely accepted internationally as a standard measure for enhancing transparency, efficiency, and credibility in elections. The guild noted that Nigeria should adopt similar practices to strengthen democratic governance and ensure credible polls.

According to the NGE, immediate and real-time transmission of results from polling units to central collation centres would boost transparency, reduce disputes, and significantly curb electoral fraud.

“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,” the statement added.

The guild urged Nigerians to closely monitor the National Assembly as it reconvenes on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, to harmonise the positions of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It stressed that anything short of mandating immediate electronic transmission would fall short of contemporary and progressive electoral standards.

“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,” the statement concluded.