By ZAKAA LAZARUS
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday expressed deep concern over the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate regarding the amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results, threatening mass boycott, if e- transmission real time is not adopted.
Joe Ajaero, president of the union, in a statement on Sunday, described the lack of clarity as likely to “undermine public trust”, adding that ” this is deeply troubling for our democracy”.
The NLC while stressing that Nigerians deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted, urged the Senate to “provide an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions.”
According to the NLC, “Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained”
This has generated nationwide apprehension, while subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion.
The NLC noted that such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that have caused national distress.
The NLC also called on the senate to provide clarity and transparency, adding that “the Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale.
“The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy.
“We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear.
“The amended Act must provide an unambiguous mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time.
“The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion.”
The NLC said Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. The NLC is working within its networks to advocate for clarity and integrity.
“We will not stand by while the trusts of Nigerians are betrayed again and the clarity of our electoral laws compromised.
“Failure to add electronic transmission real-time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election or total boycott of the Election.
“Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now”.
