The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has expressed strong opposition to any changes to the 2026 Electoral Amendment Bill that would eliminate the requirement for real-time electronic transmission of election results. In a statement released on Monday, they underscored the necessity of this provision for maintaining the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process. The leaders, including prominent figures from various regional organizations, stressed that free and fair elections are crucial for upholding democratic governance in the country.

The SMBLF’s statement, backed by its notable leaders, highlights the urgency of preserving Clause 60 of the bill as originally passed by the House of Representatives and currently under review by the National Assembly’s Joint Conference Committee. They made it clear that any attempt to modify this clause would threaten the democratic framework of Nigeria, pushing back against concerns that such a change could undermine public trust in the electoral process.

In their declaration, the SMBLF has called upon lawmakers to prioritize the integrity of elections and ensure that the necessary mechanisms are in place for a transparent electoral process. They warned that deviating from the commitment to electronic transmission could lead to allegations of fraud and manipulation, ultimately eroding citizens' confidence in their elected representatives and the democratic system itself.