Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo, President CONGOS
- Declares that credibility of Nigeria’s elections is not negotiable
By Francis Odupute, Benin
The House of Representatives has been charged to critically review the provision allowing for option of transmission of election results–both electronic and manual, as passed by the Senate, being part of the ongoing amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework.
The charge was contained on a release issued by the Conference of Non Governmental Organizations (CONGOS) in Benin City and made available to Spy News yesterday, Monday, February 16, 2026.
The release which was signed by Comrade Dr Bartholomew Okoudo and Comrade Ibrahim Momoh, President and Director of Publicity respectively, also called on the National Assembly to prioritize a clear, unambiguous, and technology-forward transmission process.
CONGOS sued the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain its commitment to transparent and verifiable elections and further called on civil societies, the media, and citizens to remain vigilant and engaged throughout the legislative process.
For CONGOS, the Senate decision for a provision allowing an option for transmission of election results–both electronic and manual is presented as a compromise, raises concerns about the integrity, transparency and credibility of future elections.
“Nigeria’s recent electoral history shows that manual processes are the weakest link in our elections—prone to manipulation, delays, human interference, and post-election disputes.
“The introduction of an optional transmission system risks undermining the gains recorded through technology-driven reforms, particularly electronic transmission, which has proven to enhance transparency, speed, and public confidence in the electoral process.
“Rather than strengthening trust, this approach may reopen loopholes that technology was meant to close.
“We emphasize that electoral reforms should be guided by the principles of credibility, certainty, and the will of the people, not political convenience.
“Any framework that allows conflicting results—manual versus electronic—creates ambiguity and provides fertile ground for electoral malpractice.
“Nigeria’s democracy deserves reforms that move it forward—not backward. The credibility of our elections is not negotiable”, CONGOS declared.
