Kwankwasiyya Movement Backs Nationwide Protests over Electoral Act Amendment

  By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Kwankwasiyya Movement has thrown its weight behind ongoing nationwide protests against the Nigerian Senate’s d...

 

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The Kwankwasiyya Movement has thrown its weight behind ongoing nationwide protests against the Nigerian Senate’s decision to amend the Electoral Act, a move critics say weakens provisions for the real-time electronic transmission of election results.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Movement’s spokesperson, Habibu Sale Mohammed, described the Senate’s action as retrogressive and a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic journey, warning that it threatens hard-earned gains in electoral transparency and credibility.

According to Mohammed, the amendment undermines public trust in the electoral process at a critical time when confidence in democratic institutions should be strengthened rather than eroded.

“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,” he said.

He noted that weakening safeguards around the transmission of election results sends the wrong signal to both citizens and the international community, especially at a time when electoral reforms are expected to deepen democratic accountability.

“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,” Mohammed stated.

The Kwankwasiyya Movement also aligned itself with the positions of several civil society and governance organisations that have publicly opposed the Senate’s decision. These include the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) through its Centre for Democracy and Election Monitoring (CEMESO), the Kukah Centre, and the International Press Centre (IPC).

Mohammed stressed that these organisations have consistently urged the Senate to adopt the position of the House of Representatives, which supports real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the matter as a national democratic imperative rather than a partisan issue.

“This is not about party politics; it is about the integrity of our elections and the future of our democracy,” he said.

He also commended Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious divides who have continued to mobilise peacefully against what he termed legislative regression, praising the roles of civil society groups, professional bodies, opposition parties, the Obedient Movement, youth-led organisations, and other pro-democracy platforms.

“This moment has once again demonstrated that Nigerians can unite, irrespective of differences, in defence of democracy,” he added.

Reaffirming the Movement’s position, Mohammed maintained that credible elections are anchored on transparent and verifiable processes, insisting that electronic transmission of results has become a basic democratic requirement.

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

He concluded by urging protesters nationwide to remain peaceful and law-abiding, describing the campaign for credible elections as central to Nigeria’s democratic future.

“The struggle for credible elections is a struggle for the soul of Nigeria and must be pursued with unity, discipline, and unwavering commitment,” Mohammed stated.