The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria has called on the National Assembly to urgently revisit Nigeria’s electoral framework, with a strong emphasis on making real time transmission of election results mandatory.

The appeal comes amid ongoing national conversations about electoral transparency and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process. According to the bishops, strengthening electoral reforms is critical to deepening democracy and restoring confidence in the country’s voting system.

In a statement released after their deliberations, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria stressed that credible elections remain the foundation of national stability. They noted that technology driven reforms, especially the electronic transmission of results directly from polling units, would significantly reduce disputes and allegations of manipulation.

The bishops specifically urged the National Assembly to amend existing electoral laws to remove ambiguities surrounding the transmission of results. They argued that making real time electronic transmission compulsory would enhance transparency and protect the will of voters.

Over the past election cycles, the issue of electronic result transmission has generated heated debate among political stakeholders. While technological innovations were introduced in recent elections, questions were raised in some quarters about compliance, system reliability and legal backing.

The Catholic bishops maintained that electoral reforms must not be left halfway. They called for a clear legal framework that compels electoral authorities to transmit results electronically from polling units to central databases without delays.

According to them, credible elections are not only about voting day procedures but also about ensuring that results reflect the true choice of the people. They added that Nigeria’s democratic growth depends on the integrity of its electoral institutions.

The call by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria adds to the growing pressure on lawmakers to strengthen Nigeria electoral reforms ahead of future general elections. Civil society groups and political observers have also repeatedly advocated for improved transparency measures.

The bishops highlighted that electoral credibility affects governance outcomes, investor confidence and national unity. They urged lawmakers to put national interest above partisan considerations while reviewing electoral laws.

Political analysts say the debate around real time transmission of election results has become central to Nigeria’s democratic discourse. Proponents argue that digital transmission reduces human interference and enhances speed and accuracy. Critics have, however, raised concerns about infrastructure gaps and technical vulnerabilities.

The Catholic bishops did not endorse any political party but emphasised that electoral reform is a moral and civic responsibility. They encouraged citizens to remain engaged in democratic processes and to demand accountability from leaders.

As discussions continue within the National Assembly, attention is expected to focus on how future amendments to the Electoral Act will address technological processes in elections.

The renewed push from religious leaders underscores how deeply electoral transparency resonates across different sectors of Nigerian society. With future elections on the horizon, the call for mandatory real time transmission of election results is likely to remain a key issue in the national conversation.