Chief Peter Ameh has criticized the Nigerian Senate over its recent revision of Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing the move as a “deliberate setback” to the country’s electoral integrity.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ameh argued that the new provision—which allows for the electronic transmission of results from polling units only “provided the system does not fail”—is merely cosmetic tinkering aimed at preserving the status quo.
According to Ameh, the inclusion of the “non-failure” caveat creates a legal loophole that can be exploited to facilitate manual interference at collation centers.
“The Senate has introduced a conditional escape hatch that guarantees continued confusion and distrust,” Ameh stated. “This ‘Wayo twist’ allows for manual interference whenever it suits those in power, under the pretext of technical glitches—a familiar excuse that has plagued our elections for years.”
He further alleged that the amendment ignores the public’s demand for mandatory, real-time electronic transmission to the IREV portal. He called on civil society organizations and international observers to reject the reform, warning that it undermines the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
“Our votes must count, and our democracy must not be held hostage by self-serving political interests,” he added.
