“That is where the real rigging takes place — in the collation centres” — el-Rufai backs protest over results transmission

Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has expressed support for the protest led by Peter Obi at the National Assembly complex over the Senate’s rejection of real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Speaking on Trust Television, el-Rufai said he would have joined the demonstration but was out of the country at the time. Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, had led protesters to the complex on Monday following the Senate’s decision to retain the current provision in the Electoral Act rather than adopt an amendment mandating real-time transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal.

The protest drew participation from student groups, civil society organisations, members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and supporters of the Obidient Movement.

El-Rufai argued that real-time electronic transmission is critical to preventing interference in the electoral process.

“That is where the real rigging takes place — in the collation centres,” he said, referring to the stages after votes are cast at polling units.

He maintained that the amendment, which was passed by the House of Representatives but rejected by the Senate, would have improved electoral credibility. He also alleged that those in power would resist such a system because it limits opportunities to alter results after voting.

The former governor also spoke about preparations within the ADC ahead of the 2027 elections. He said the party is working on its manifesto and internal processes to ensure transparent primaries without zoning or imposed consensus candidates.

“Everyone will be given the opportunity to contest, and whoever wins will be supported by all,” he said.

**Background to the controversy**

On February 4, the Senate passed the Electoral Act amendment bill after extensive deliberation. Among other changes, the bill reduced the timeframe for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.

However, the Senate rejected a proposed amendment to Clause 60(3) that would have made it compulsory for presiding officers to transmit polling unit results electronically to the IReV portal in real time after completing Form EC8A.

Instead, lawmakers retained Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, which requires presiding officers to transfer results “in a manner as prescribed by the commission,” leaving the method and timing to INEC’s discretion.

The decision has triggered widespread reaction online and prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to threaten mass action.