Quick Summary:
Coalition of United Political Parties condemns the Senate’s amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act, calling it a deceptive reform that preserves loopholes for manipulation and undermines electoral transparency.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticised the Nigerian Senate’s revision of Clause 60(3) in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing it as “cosmetic tinkering” that fails to advance electoral transparency.
The Senate’s new clause permits electronic transmission of election results from polling units “provided the system does not fail.”
In a statement signed by CUPP Secretary, Peter Ameh, the coalition said the revision offers no meaningful improvement over the previous ambiguous provision.
“A Wayo Twist That Preserves Manipulation”
CUPP described the amendment as a “Wayo twist”, arguing that it legitimises manual interference at collation centres under the guise of technical glitches.
The coalition said the Senate’s action betrays public trust and undermines the credibility of future elections, including those scheduled for 2027.
“Senate Disregards Nigerians’ Aspirations”
CUPP accused the Senate of showing blatant disregard for the aspirations of Nigerians who demand transparent, free, and fair elections.
It warned that the conditional clause would preserve vulnerabilities that allow result alteration and electoral manipulation, eroding confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
CUPP Calls for National Resistance
The coalition urged patriotic Nigerians, civil society groups, the media, and international observers to reject the amendment and demand genuine electoral justice.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to defending electoral integrity, insisting that real-time electronic transmission remains the only credible safeguard against manipulation.