A coalition of civil society organisations and election stakeholders, Thursday, launched an Independent Election Results Platform (IERP) designed to allow citizens to independently upload and verify polling unit results, in a move aimed at strengthening electoral transparency, curbing manipulation and restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.

The platform was unveiled in Abuja, during the inaugural stakeholders’ meeting of the National Electoral Accountability Consortium, with participants describing it as a citizen-driven technological intervention that would provide an independent repository of election results and improve accountability in the country’s electoral process.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) threw its weight behind the initiative, saying credible elections remain fundamental to the protection of citizens’ civil and political rights.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), Uzoamaka Ifechi-Fred, the chief legal officer at the Commission commended TAP Initiative and the National Electoral Accountability Consortium for spearheading the project.

The Commission said innovative platforms that promote transparency, accountability and public participation would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the NHRC, the Commission remains committed to working with relevant stakeholders to advance free, fair, inclusive and peaceful elections while protecting every Nigeria’s right to participate in governance without fear, intimidation or discrimination.

It noted that as Nigeria’s apex human rights institution, the NHRtC would continue its tradition of election monitoring to safeguard citizens’ rights throughout the electoral process.

The Commission urged stakeholders to embrace innovation, sustain constructive dialogue and work collectively towards deepening electoral integrity and democratic governance.

Earlier, Executive Director of TAP Initiative, Martin Obono, said the Independent Election Results Platform was conceived to empower ordinary citizens to become active participants in election transparency by uploading polling unit results directly to an independent platform.

He explained that the initiative was designed to eliminate concerns over technical failures or political interference often associated with election result management.

Obono also announced the establishment of the National Electoral Accountability Consortium, stressing that safeguarding elections requires broad collaboration rather than isolated efforts.

“No single organisation or individual can achieve this alone. We are building a coalition where everyone becomes part of the process of protecting Nigeria’s democracy,” he said.

Also speaking, Spaces for Change described the platform as a civic technology solution that would strengthen transparency, credibility and public confidence in elections through independent citizen participation.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the organisation’s Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, represented by the communication officer Joachim Onwe said protecting election integrity extends beyond election day and requires sustained civic engagement, independent monitoring and collective action.

He noted that credible elections depend not only on reliable evidence and timely documentation but also on the protection of civic space, enabling citizens to freely exercise their constitutional rights to vote, be voted for and participate meaningfully in governance.

Onme, added that through its “Closing Spaces” database, the organisation continues to document and analyse developments affecting democratic participation while partnering with other stakeholders to promote election accountability through data-driven advocacy and independent monitoring.

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, represented by Sylvanus Yekpe in a goodwill message, welcomed the initiative, saying the ruling party supports every effort aimed at promoting transparency in the electoral process.

He urged participants to take the message of peaceful elections back to their communities, stressing that violence-free polls remain essential for Nigeria’s democratic stability.

Stakeholders at the meeting expressed optimism that the Independent Election Results Platform would complement existing election monitoring mechanisms by enabling citizens to independently document polling unit outcomes, improve public oversight and strengthen confidence in electoral outcomes ahead of future elections. (LEADERSHIP)

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