NLC
Olayiwola Mercy
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is threatening nationwide protests and a possible election boycott over the Senate’s amendment to the Electoral Act, specifically regarding electronic transmission of election results. The NLC is concerned about the confusion and contradictory narratives emerging from the Senate, which they believe undermines public trust in the electoral process.
The controversy surrounds the Senate’s rejection of a clause that would have made it mandatory for presiding officers to electronically transmit results from polling units directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing portal in real-time. Instead, the Senate retained the existing discretionary provision, allowing electronic transmission only after votes are counted and publicly announced at polling units.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the amended Electoral Act must explicitly compel INEC to transmit and collate results electronically from polling units in real-time. Failure to do so could trigger mass action, including protests and election boycotts.
The NLC is not alone in this fight, as civil society groups and opposition figures have also condemned the Senate’s decision, labeling it a setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress. The Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has announced plans for an “Occupy NASS” protest in Abuja, calling on Nigerians to stand up and be counted.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the chamber’s actions, insisting that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission outright but rather removed the phrase “real-time” to prevent legal and technical complications. However, critics argue that this move leaves room for manual processes that could facilitate manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The NLC has demanded an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of the exact provisions passed, including the final wording and rationale behind the decision. They also urge the National Assembly leadership to ensure the harmonization process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions .
The controversy has sparked concerns about the integrity and transparency of future elections. The NLC emphasizes that Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted .
The Senate has fixed an emergency plenary session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, where the controversial amendment could be revisited amid mounting public pressure and potential legal challenges.
The NLC’s threat of protests and election boycotts highlights the critical tension between the legislative process and public demand for unambiguous electoral safeguards. The outcome of this standoff remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Nigerians are watching closely.
