ABUJA, Nigeria — February 5, 2026 
 A coalition of Nigerian Youths under the umbrella of Youth-Led Electoral Reform Initiative today expressed deep displeasure and categorical disappointment with the Senate’s handling of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026. 
While the House of Representatives has demonstrated legislative courage by passing forward-thinking amendments, the Senate’s recent actions threaten to dismantle the integrity of the 2027 general elections before they even begin.

Despite the House of Representatives clearing critical provisions designed to modernize Nigeria’s democracy, the Senate has notably rejected the mandatory electronic transmission of results (Clause 60) and struck out Clause 142, which would have streamlined the use of documentary evidence in election petitions.

"The Senate’s version of this bill is not an amendment; it is a retreat into the dark ages of manual manipulation," said Umar Muhammad Lawal Bauchi state Coordinator. 

"We watched the House of Representatives take a stand for the people, yet the Senate chose to protect the status quo. To reject mandatory e-transmission is to tell Nigerian youths that their tech-driven future has no place in the Senate's version of democracy."

The youth coalition highlights three major points of contention:

• The E-Transmission Betrayal: By making electronic transmission optional rather than mandatory, the Senate is leaving the door wide open for "human interference" during collation.

• Obstruction of Justice: The removal of Clause 142 makes it harder for citizens to challenge fraudulent elections in court, favoring technicalities over truth.

• Legislative Disconnect: There is a glaring lack of synergy between the two chambers. The Senate’s refusal to align with the House’s progressive stance suggests a lack of political will to reform the electoral umpire (INEC).

Our Demands:

The Nigerian youths hereby call on the Senate President and all Distinguished Senators to reconsider their stand during the upcoming Conference Committee harmonization process. We demand that the Senate adopts the House of Representatives' version of these critical clauses to ensure a unified, transparent, and credible legal framework.

"We are not asking for a favor; we are demanding a future," the statement concluded. "If the Senate continues to obstruct these reforms, they should be prepared for a massive, nationwide youth-led 'Accountability Campaign' that will reach every constituency in this country."

The coalition remains on high alert and will be monitoring the harmonization committee sessions starting this week.

Umar Muhammad Lawal. CPPLI

08063639144

Umarmlofficial@gmail.com 

Signed 
Umar Muhammad Lawal. Bauchi State
Maryam Adamu.                 Gombe State.
Hapson Haruna Babale.     Taraba State.
Aisha.                                     Adamawa State.
Ayuba Wakawa.                    Borno State.
Williams.                                Yobe State.