ABUJA — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the National Assembly, threatening a massive nationwide protest over the Senate’s perceived vacillation and “confusing position” regarding the amendment of the Electoral Act.
At the heart of the dispute is the NLC’s demand for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units directly to a central server, a move the Congress believes is the only way to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Demanding Transparency
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NLC leadership expressed deep frustration with the legislative process, accusing the Senate of deliberate ambiguity. The Congress argued that the current lack of a clear, mandatory legal framework for electronic transmission leaves the door open for the manipulation of figures between polling units and collation centers.
“The will of the people must not be subverted by technical loopholes or legislative indecision,” the statement read. “The Senate’s current stance is not only confusing but appears to be a calculated attempt to undermine the transparency of the 2027 general elections.”
The Ultimatum
The NLC has warned that if the Senate does not provide a clear, pro-transparency amendment that removes discretionary powers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding electronic transmission, it will mobilize its affiliates for a total shutdown of the country.
Organized labor is demanding:
- Mandatory Electronic Transmission:Â A legal requirement for results to be uploaded immediately after counting at the polling unit level.
- Clarity on Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS):Â Explicit legal backing for the use of technology in both accreditation and result transmission.
- Sanctions for Non-Compliance:Â Strict penalties for electoral officers who fail to comply with the electronic protocols.
Political Implications
The threat comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity. With the African Democratic Congress (ADC) gaining momentum as a major opposition vehicle and figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar calling for electoral reforms, the NLC’s intervention adds significant weight to the pressure on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Civil society organizations (CSOs) have quickly aligned with the NLC’s position, noting that the “confusion” in the Senate mimics the legal battles that followed the 2023 elections, where the lack of mandatory electronic transmission was a central point of contention.
Senate Reaction
While the Senate leadership has yet to issue a formal rebuttal to the NLC’s threat, sources within the Red Chamber suggest that lawmakers are divided. Some argue that the “technological infrastructure” in rural areas is not yet ready for a mandatory mandate, while others believe the move is essential to restore public confidence in the ballot box.
As the NLC begins its “sensitization and mobilization” of workers across the 36 states, the federal government faces a dual challenge: navigating a restive labor force and ensuring a credible legal framework for the nation’s next democratic transition.
