Quick Summary:
Activist Omoyele Sowore says Nigerian senators cannot be trusted on the issue of real-time electronic transmission of election results, accusing them of avoiding accountability in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
Human rights activist and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, has said that Nigerian senators cannot be trusted with the issue of real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘The Morning Brief’ on Wednesday, Sowore criticised the Senate’s handling of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying lawmakers are more concerned with protecting their political interests than ensuring credible elections.
“They Don’t Care About the Public”
Sowore argued that the Senate’s actions show a lack of concern for public interest, warning Nigerians to scrutinize the final version of the bill before it becomes law.
He accused lawmakers of deliberately avoiding clear legal language that would make electronic transmission mandatory and enforceable in court.
“They’re Trying to Avoid Accountability”
Sowore said the Senate’s reluctance to adopt strict provisions for electronic transmission is an attempt to evade accountability in future elections.
Background: Public Protest Over Senate’s Decision
His comments came after Nigerians converged in Abuja on Monday for the ‘Occupy National Assembly’ protest, opposing the Senate’s rejection of mandatory e-transmission of election results.
The protest reflected growing public frustration over what many see as attempts to weaken electoral transparency through ambiguous legislative language.
