The Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), a leading civil society organisation focused on legislative advocacy and electoral reform, has called on the Nigerian Senate to uphold transparency and respect the expressed will of citizens during the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.
In an interview on Thursday, PLAC’s Executive Director, Clement Nwankwo, expressed deep concern over the Senate’s decision to deliberate on critical aspects of the proposed reforms—particularly the real-time electronic transmission of election results—in closed executive sessions, despite widespread public interest and participation in earlier stages of the process.
Nwankwo noted that a broad national consensus had already emerged through extensive consultations, including:
- Joint meetings of National Assembly committees
- Public hearings
- Zonal consultations across the country
These inclusive processes, he said, had produced clear recommendations on key electoral reforms, most notably the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results to a centralised server—a measure long advocated by civil society, political observers, and many citizens as essential for enhancing transparency, reducing manipulation, and building public trust in the electoral process.
The PLAC leader criticised the shift to non-public sessions as inconsistent with the principles of accountability and openness that should guide lawmakers on matters of such national importance.
“The Electoral Act does not belong to any individual. It is national property. It must reflect the will of the people,” Nwankwo stated emphatically.
He reminded senators of their representative role, stressing that they were elected by citizens and remain accountable to them.
“You have to be transparent. People elected you as a legislator; you didn’t fight your way into that position. You were elected by the people, and you represent the people.
“You must respect citizens’ views. Don’t act as overlords. There is nothing that makes you superior to the ordinary Nigerian. You were elected, and you are accountable to the people.
“When you beg people to vote you in, you must listen to them. That is what is painful to a lot of us. You act as if you are an overlord, but you are not listening to us, the citizens,” he added.
Nwankwo’s remarks reflect growing public unease over the perceived retreat from openness at a critical stage of the Electoral Act review. Many Nigerians and civil society groups have long argued that real-time electronic transmission of results is a vital safeguard against electoral fraud, especially after controversies that marred the 2023 general elections.
PLAC’s position aligns with earlier calls by other advocacy groups, legal experts, and international election observers who have urged the National Assembly to prioritise transparency, inclusivity, and public interest in finalising the amendments.
The organisation emphasised that the Senate, as a body elected to serve the people, has a duty to ensure that the outcome of the review process mirrors the genuine aspirations of citizens rather than the preferences of political elites or narrow interests.
As deliberations continue, PLAC’s appeal serves as a reminder that electoral reform is not merely a legislative exercise—it is a democratic covenant between the governed and those they entrust with lawmaking power.
The group reiterated its call for the Senate to reopen key aspects of the debate to public scrutiny, honour the consensus reached during consultations, and pass amendments that genuinely strengthen Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.
