Ezekwesili Accuses Senate of ‘Democratic Coup’ Over Electoral Act Amendment

The Senate, during an emergency plenary on Tuesday, reversed its earlier stance against the electronic transmission of results and adopted a revised clause that permits the electronic transmission of polling unit results and manual collation where there is a network failure.

In a statement posted on her social media platform on Wednesday, Ezekwesili accused the Senate of undermining democratic safeguards by inserting a proviso that allows manual collation of results if electronic transmission fails or becomes impossible.

“The Senate committed a coup against our democracy and the Nigerian people yesterday,” she wrote. “It is not wise to play with fire. Transparency is always better.”

Ezekwesili maintained that Nigerians are demanding a clear and unconditional legal mandate for real-time electronic transmission of polling unit results.

According to her, the version earlier passed by the House of Representatives reflects that expectation.

She quoted the House provision, which states: “INEC shall electronically transmit election results from polling units to the INEC Result Viewing Portal in real time and such transmission shall be done simultaneously with the physical collation of results.”

Describing the House version as “simple and honest,” she argued that it contains no caveats that could weaken the integrity of the process.

The Senate’s addition “If electronic transmission fails or becomes impossible to use, the signed Form EC8A shall be the primary source of election results” was characterised by Ezekwesili as a “grave danger” that could permanently erode transparency in the electoral system.

She contended that the proviso creates room for manipulation and undermines public confidence in election outcomes.

“Your vote and mine can never count with such a deceptive and ill-intended proviso,” she stated, adding that real-time electronic transmission at polling units would eliminate opportunities for electoral malpractice.

Ezekwesili further accused lawmakers of resisting transparency to preserve political advantage, alleging that the Senate is determined to maintain control over the electoral process.

“We, the citizens of Nigeria and not politicians, are the real owners of democracy,” she said, urging Nigerians to defend their right to transparent elections.

Calling for vigilance and civic engagement, she said, “Be prepared.”