The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence (CAIDOV) has thrown its full weight behind the Nigerian Senate for its decisive passage of the Amended 2026 Electoral Act, describing it as a landmark move that strengthens the credibility, transparency, and fairness of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a press release issued on Tuesday from Lagos, Conrad Gbenga Soloki, Executive Director of CAIDOV, stated that the amendment represents a careful, balanced, and forward-looking approach to electoral governance. He highlighted that the inclusion of both manual and electronic transmission of election results is a practical solution that ensures accuracy, reliability, and public confidence in the democratic process.
“On behalf of the board and management of CAIDOV, I commend the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the recent passage of the amended 2026 Electoral Act,” Soloki said. “This legislation strikes the right balance by allowing both electronic and manual processes for result collation and transmission. It prevents malicious actors who might seek to manipulate outcomes from sabotaging the process while ensuring the will of the people is fully respected.”
CAIDOV noted that the amendment is particularly timely, given the growing concerns about election-related misinformation, technological vulnerabilities, and potential disruptions in areas with limited network coverage. The organization applauded the Senate for resisting pressure from individuals and groups pushing for a single, exclusively electronic transmission system, which could have left the process vulnerable to manipulation or technical failure.
“There are parties that, under the guise of advocating for transparency, are actually seeking to compromise the integrity of our elections. The Senate has shown remarkable prudence by adopting a framework that protects both the technology-assisted and manual processes, ensuring that the outcome reflects the true will of Nigerians,” Soloki emphasized.
The organization further underscored that the amendment will have far-reaching effects on national stability and youth engagement. By securing an electoral process that is transparent, credible, and verifiable, the legislation encourages active participation from young Nigerians, civil society groups, and voters across the country. CAIDOV highlighted that this is essential not only for the conduct of elections but for nurturing a culture of democratic accountability that strengthens Nigeria’s political institutions.
In addition, the organization promised to rally civic support for the amendment’s implementation, noting that collaboration between government, civil society, and citizens is vital for safeguarding democracy. CAIDOV committed to continuing its advocacy for electoral reforms, civic education, and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering citizens to exercise their rights responsibly and effectively.
“We will continue to engage stakeholders, educate voters, and support processes that enhance the credibility and transparency of elections in Nigeria,” Soloki said. “Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian understands the importance of their vote and trusts that it will count fairly.”
In conclusion, CAIDOV reaffirmed its confidence in the leadership of the Senate and urged all political actors to respect the spirit of the amendment. The organization stressed that elections should be conducted peacefully, responsibly, and in line with democratic principles, adding that the Amended 2026 Electoral Act is a decisive step in protecting the nation’s democracy, promoting fairness, and preventing election-related disputes.