Kwankwasiyya Movt backs protests against Senate’s Electoral Act Amendment

By Musa Baba Adamu

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has expressed support for ongoing nationwide protests against the Nigerian Senate’s move to amend the Electoral Act in a manner that could weaken the real-time electronic transmission of election results.

In a statement released yesterday, the movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the Senate’s action as retrogressive and warned that it could roll back progress made in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

He said the proposed amendment threatens efforts to make elections more transparent and credible, particularly through the use of technology.

“This decision represents a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic progress and a betrayal of the collective demand by Nigerians for transparent, credible, and technology-driven elections,” Mohammed said.

According to him, reducing safeguards around the electronic transmission of results at a time when trust in electoral institutions needs to be rebuilt sends a dangerous message.

“Nigerians are justified in interpreting this move as a deliberate attempt to reopen the door to electoral manipulation and the subversion of the people’s will,” he added.

The Movement also said it aligns with concerns raised by several civil society and governance organisations that have opposed the Senate’s decision.

These include the Centre for Democracy and Development, the Kukah Centre, and the International Press Centre.

Mohammed noted that these groups have urged the Senate to adopt the position already taken by the House of Representatives in support of real-time electronic transmission of election results.

“This issue is not partisan, but a national democratic imperative,” he said.

He also praised Nigerians from different walks of life who have continued to protest peacefully against what he described as “legislative regression”, commending the role of civil society groups, professional bodies, opposition parties, the Obidient Movement, youth-led groups, and other pro-democracy platforms.

“This moment has once again demonstrated that Nigerians, irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious differences, can unite in defence of democracy,” Mohammed said.

Reiterating the movement’s position, he stressed that credible elections depend on transparent and verifiable processes, adding that electronic transmission of results has become a basic requirement in modern democracies.

“Real-time electronic transmission of results is no longer optional; it is a minimum democratic standard,” he said.

He called on protesters across the country to remain peaceful and law-abiding, describing the push for credible elections as critical to Nigeria’s future.