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Civil Society Storms National Assembly, Demands Mandatory Real-Time Election Result Transmission
Civil Society Storms National Assembly, Demands Mandatory Real-Time Election Result Transmission
By: Michael Mike
Civil society groups intensified pressure on the National Assembly on Tuesday, staging a second day of protests demanding that the proposed Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 enshrine mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The demonstrations, spearheaded by ActionAid Nigeria alongside other civic organisations, come amid concerns that the Senate version of the bill dilutes provisions for e-transmission, in contrast to the House of Representatives’ version, which civil society groups have endorsed.
Addressing the crowd, Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu,, stressed that the demand was absolute. “Real-time electronic transmission of results. Mandatory. Without any condition,” warning that manipulation often occurs at the transmission stage, undermining the credibility of elections.
Mamedu cited India as a global example, highlighting that even with nearly one billion registered voters and limited network coverage, the country successfully implements electronic voting and results transmission — a model Nigeria can emulate. He urged citizens to hold senators and representatives accountable for supporting the mandatory provision.
Convener of Lawyers in Defence of Democracy and Human Rights, Okere Nnamdi, described the protest as a “people’s parliament” rallying behind the House version of the bill. He called on the harmonisation committee of both chambers to adopt the House proposal in full.
Nnamdi warned of legal challenges if the final version falls short, stating, “If anything less than the House of Representatives version is endorsed and signed into law, there will be over 1,000 public interest litigations challenging the 2026 electoral bill.”
On his part, the CEO of TAF Africa Jake Epelle, representing persons with disabilities, reinforced the argument, insisting that credible elections are impossible without real-time result transmission. “No real-time transmission, no credible election. Enough is enough,” he said, pledging continued civic action until the law guarantees electoral integrity.
Protesters emphasised that mandatory e-transmission would enhance transparency, level the playing field for all political actors, and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system. They vowed to maintain sustained pressure on lawmakers as the National Assembly works to harmonise the Senate and House versions of the amendment bill.
The demonstrations signal a growing civic insistence that Nigeria’s electoral reforms must prioritise technology-driven transparency to safeguard democracy and reflect the genuine will of the people.
Civil Society Storms National Assembly, Demands Mandatory Real-Time Election Result Transmission
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 245 Battalion have arrested a suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River State in an ongoing effort to curb illegal arms circulation.
A military source said the suspect was apprehended at about 11:35 p.m. on April 14 in Abong-Ebam Community, Boki Local Government Area, while riding on a motorcycle.
According to the source, troops intercepted the suspect during a routine operation and discovered 25 cartridges in his possession.
The suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation to determine the source and intended destination of the ammunition.
The military said preliminary interrogation is ongoing as part of efforts to dismantle arms trafficking networks operating within the area.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to sustained patrols and intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing the proliferation of illegal weapons and enhancing security in Cross River and adjoining states.
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Headquarters 16 Brigade, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have arrested eight suspects and recovered quantities of illicit drugs during coordinated raids in Bayelsa State.
A military source said the operation was conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 14 across Obunagha, Azikoro and Swali communities in Yenagoa Local Government Area, Amassoma in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area.
According to the source, the joint operation led to the arrest of eight suspects and the recovery of about 850 grammes of cannabis sativa and 11 grammes of methamphetamine.
The suspects and recovered substances have since been handed over to the NDLEA for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security authorities said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and related criminal activities in the Niger Delta region.
Troops, NDLEA arrest 8 suspects, recover illicit drugs in Bayelsa raid
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA in Katsina State have foiled a bandit attack and rescued 10 kidnapped persons in Faskari Local Government Area of the state.
Sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of April 12 at Sabon Garin Yankara village following a distress call received at about 3:30 a.m.
According to the sources, a large number of armed bandits invaded the community, prompting the joint troops to be deployed in the area.
They added that the joint team tactically blocked the escape routes of the attackers and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.
“The bandits were forced to abandon the kidnapped victims and fled with gunshot injuries, leading to the rescue of all 10 victims unharmed,” the sources said.
The sources, however, disclosed that a vigilante member, identified as Sanusi Naatta, 45, sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter and was later confirmed dead at a hospital.
They noted that security operatives have since blocked all exit routes, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops foil bandit attack, rescue 10 victims in Katsina
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