90% of Lawmakers Won’t Return to NASS if Elections Are Transparent, Says Sowore

Human rights activist and politician, Omoyele Sowore has asserted that up to 90 percent of Nigeria’s lawmakers would lose their seats if elections were conducted in a fully transparent and credible manner.

His comments come amid heated debates surrounding proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly the contentious issue of electronic transmission of election results. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, Sowore argued that many members of the National Assembly fear open and fair elections because they would likely be voted out of office. He described lawmakers’ insistence on retaining a manual collation backup for election results as a deliberate loophole that could be exploited to manipulate outcomes. The truth is that most lawmakers do not want transparent elections because they know they cannot win if the process is fair. Claims of poor network coverage are merely excuses to justify a return to a system prone to manipulation,” Sowore said. He emphasized that such practices undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system and hinder democratic development. Sowore also called for the adoption of electronic voting and result transmission systems, drawing comparisons with countries like India, where technology has significantly reduced disputes and election-related litigation despite the challenges of managing large voter populations. “We trust our money online, we conduct online transactions securely every day. There is no reason why Nigerians should not be allowed to vote securely using technology,” he stated. The activist’s remarks come as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with calls for electoral reforms gaining momentum. Sowore has been actively involved in advocacy and protests demanding credible elections, describing his campaign as part of an “electoral revolution” aimed at ending systemic corruption and strengthening accountability in governance. The debate over the Electoral Act amendments has exposed deep divisions within the National Assembly. While reform advocates argue that electronic transmission of results is essential for credible elections, some lawmakers insist on retaining a manual collation option, citing concerns over network reliability in remote areas. Critics, including Sowore, argue that such measures are a cover for potential electoral manipulation. Political analysts say Sowore’s claim, if accurate, reflects a broader concern over the entrenchment of political elites and their resistance to reforms that could threaten their positions. They warn that failure to implement credible electoral processes could lead to voter apathy, protests, and ongoing disputes over election outcomes.