By JOAN NWAGWU

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed concern over the Senate’s amendment of the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly provisions on electronic transmission of election results.

Mr Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.

Ajaero said the contradictory narratives from the Senate were undermining public trust and threatening the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to him, Nigerians deserved a transparent electoral system in which votes were not only counted but clearly seen to be counted.

“Any ambiguity surrounding electronic transmission of results undermines electoral credibility and threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“Nigerians deserve an electoral system where votes are not only counted but are clearly seen to be counted by all stakeholders.

“The Senate must urgently clarify the exact provisions passed and the rationale behind its decisions to restore public confidence,” he said.

Ajaero urged the Senate to provide an immediate, official and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions on the Electoral Act amendment.

He said public records suggested that the proposal mandating the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time was not adopted, with discretionary provisions retained.

The NLC president said this development had generated nationwide apprehension, while conflicting explanations from lawmakers had further deepened public confusion.

According to him, such legislative ambiguity risked institutionalising doubt within the electoral system, especially following controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.

Ajaero called on the leadership of the National Assembly to ensure that the harmonisation process produced a final bill with clear and enforceable provisions.

He said any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of election results would constitute a serious disservice to Nigeria’s democracy.

The NLC president urged the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring transparency in its processes and clarity in its outcomes.

He also called for an unambiguous legal mandate compelling INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real time.

Ajaero said preparations for the 2027 general elections must be built on certainty and transparency rather than confusion.

He said Nigerian workers and citizens were closely monitoring developments and would continue to advocate for electoral integrity and accountability.

Ajaero also said that actions capable of eroding public confidence or compromising the clarity of the nation’s electoral laws would not be acceptable to the NLC.

He urged the lawmakers to prioritise people-focused legislation and avoid a repeat of controversies that accompanied recent amendments to tax laws.

Ajaero said that the NLC was committed to democratic values, adding that clarity, integrity and transparent laws were essential to Nigeria’s stability. (NAN)

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