Yemi Obafemi
The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) has condemned the National Assembly for refusing to amend the Electoral Act to allow real-time transmission of election results, describing the decision as a betrayal of democracy.
The group also decried the violent crackdown on its members, who staged a peaceful protest for two weeks demanding the reform.
NILOWV President Irene Awunah-Ikyegh stated this in a statement on Thursday.
“For two weeks, our women vulnerable, yet steadfast,have gathered peacefully at the National Assembly, demanding a simple, yet crucial amendment: mandatory real-time transmission of election results from polling units to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IREV). This demand is not a partisan whim; it is a cornerstone of transparent democracy, a safeguard against manipulation, and a right enshrined in our civic conscience.
“By turning a deaf ear to the people’s call, our legislators have chosen to betray the very foundation of our democratic experiment. Their inaction signals a dangerous complacency, allowing opacity to flourish and undermining public trust in every future election.
“To add insult to injury, the peaceful assembly of our members was met with wanton violence. Police officers, instead of protecting citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, unleashed tear gas on vulnerable women, scattering them and inflicting needless trauma. This brutal response is a stark reminder that, when institutions meant to uphold justice become instruments of oppression, the social contract is fractured.
“To those legislators who have by their silence or opposition supported the crucifixion of our dear democracy, we say: you have not only failed Nigeria; you have failed your own families, your children, and the mothers who nurtured you. History will record your names alongside those who chose convenience over conscience and it will judge you accordingly. Yet, we remain hopeful that reason and patriotism can still prevail, and we call on you to reconsider, amend the Electoral Act, and restore faith in our electoral system.
She urged NILOWV members to remain calm, united, and ready for lawful, strategic actions to defend transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s elections.
“In light of these events, I call on all NILOWV members nationwide to remain calm and steadfast. Our strength lies in our unity and our peaceful resolve.
“We will not be deterred by intimidation; instead, we will channel our collective energy into lawful, strategic actions. Await further guidance on next steps, and prepare to stand together for a transparent, credible electoral future. Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people,let us protect it with courage and conviction.”
