The League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV), has condemned the National Assembly’s refusal to amend the Electoral Act to make real-time transmission of election results mandatory.

In a statement on Wednesday by its President, Irene Awunah-Ikyegh, NILOWV argued that the refusal of lawmakers to act on the amendment undermines public trust and weakens confidence in future elections.

Though President Bola Tinubu late Wednesday signed the Electoral Act Amendments into law, Awunah-Ikyegh said following two weeks of peaceful demonstrations at the National Assembly by NILOWV and other groups, it was expected that the National Assembly would have heeded to the demands of Nigerians.

She explained that their demand for mandatory real-time transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IREV) was neither partisan nor excessive, but a necessary safeguard for credible elections.

According to her, transparency in result transmission is a cornerstone of modern democracy and a critical step toward preventing manipulation and post-election disputes.

The NILOWV president also decried what she described as the violent suppression of peaceful protesters.

She alleged that police officers dispersed women demonstrators with tear gas, instead of protecting their constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

Awunah-Ikyegh said the incident left several members distressed and shaken, condemning the use of force against “law-abiding citizens demanding accountability.”

She warned that history would judge legislators who, through silence or opposition, failed to support reforms aimed at strengthening the electoral process.

However, she called on members nationwide to remain calm and resolute, stressing that the group would continue to pursue lawful and strategic actions to advance electoral transparency.

Reaffirming the organisation’s commitment to democratic principles, Awunah-Ikyegh maintained that Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its citizens and must be protected through courage, unity and sustained civic engagement.