The Southern and Middle Belt Leadership Forum (SMBLF) has issued a stern warning regarding the future of Nigeria’s democracy. On Monday, February 9, 2026, the influential group demanded that the 2026 Electoral Amendment Bill retain the compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
In a powerful statement, the forum argued that removing this provision would directly undermine the democratic process. The group insisted that Clause 60 of the bill must remain untouched. This clause, previously passed by the House of Representatives and harmonized by the National Assembly’s Joint Conference Committee, is seen as the final safeguard against electoral fraud.
The Pillars of Electoral Integrity: IReV and BVAS
The SMBLF grounded its position in the success and necessity of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). This portal was designed to allow citizens to view polling unit results as they are uploaded. By doing so, it aims to eliminate human manipulation during the collation process.
Addressing Technical Concerns
Opponents of mandatory transmission often cite poor telecommunications coverage as a barrier. However, the SMBLF dismissed these arguments. They pointed to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which can store results offline and upload them automatically once a connection is established.
“When properly backed by law, IReV removes secrecy and post-election confusion,” the statement read. “Electronic transmission will restore the public’s vanishing confidence in the electoral process.”
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A Call for Transparency: The Senate Controversy
The forum expressed deep concern over reports that the Senate may have altered the final version of the bill. Specifically, claims have emerged that the mandate for real-time transmission was stripped from the document.
The SMBLF noted that several senators, including Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe, have publicly stated they voted for compulsory electronic transmission. The emergence of a different version of the bill is, according to the group, “unacceptable in a democratic legislature.”
Learning from the 2023 Precedent
The group highlighted a critical loophole from the 2023 presidential election. During that cycle, the Supreme Court relied on the 2022 Electoral Act, which made electronic transmission optional at INEC’s discretion. The SMBLF stressed that the law must now be “clear, firm, and mandatory” to prevent such ambiguity from being exploited again.
Linking Flawed Elections to National Insecurity
In a somber turn, the SMBLF linked the lack of electoral accountability to the rising tide of insecurity across Nigeria. The leaders cited the recent massacre of over 100 people in Woro, Kwara State, alongside persistent kidnappings and killings nationwide.
The forum argued that if leaders were truly afraid of the electorate’s vote, they would be more responsive to security crises.
The statement was signed by a coalition of regional heavyweights, including:
- Oba Oladipo Olaitan (Leader of SMBLF and Afenifere)
- Dr. Bitrus Pogu (President, Middle Belt Forum)
- Senator John Azuta-Mbata (President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide)
- Ambassador Godknows Igali (National Chairman, PANDEF)
Conclusion: A Demand for Justice and Restructuring
The SMBLF concluded by demanding justice for victims of violence and a return to the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference. They renewed their calls for state police and a fundamental restructuring of the country. For the forum, a transparent 2026 Electoral Act is the first step toward a Nigeria where governance truly serves the people.
