The Nigerian Guild of Editors has faulted the National Assembly’s position on election result transmission, warning that mishandling public concerns could weaken trust and the integrity of all forthcoming elections.

The guild, in a statement on Monday, signed by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, stated that the Senate’s disregard for making election result transmission mandatory and immediate, as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act, will deepen mistrust among Nigerians.

“The Nigerian Guild of Editors 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 is already creating room for doubt and mistrust in the electoral process among Nigerians.

“The uncertainty arising from the Senate’s adoption of provisions in the proposed 2022 Electoral Act – allowing for the transmission of election results without making it mandatory and immediate – runs contrary to the widely held position of most Nigerians and many lawmakers,” it stated.

Demanding that electronic transmission be made mandatory, the group warned that the ongoing disparity between the public and the Senate could breed voter apathy in the forthcoming general elections.

NGE stated, “At a time when Nigerians are demanding mandatory and immediate transmission of election results from polling units to central collation centres – and as countries around the world adopt electronic transmission as part of electoral reforms to enhance transparency – the Senate’s position leaves much to be desired.”

“To say the least, this stance represents a missed opportunity to strengthen transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process. It undermines ongoing efforts to deepen democratic governance and ensure credible elections.”

The guild called on members of the National Assembly 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 group argued that digitised elections, when anchored in real-time transmission of results, would enhance transparency and voters’ confidence, reduce disputes and controversies, curb electoral fraud, and streamline election result management.

“Anything short of this will 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,” the group noted.