Electoral Act: PFN backs real-time transmission of results, warns against compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty


By Efa Sunday 


The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has thrown its weight behind growing calls for the inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, describing it as critical to strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.



Speaking at a press conference to address key national issues in Lagos on Thursday, the Deputy National President of PFN, Dr. Cosmas Ilechukwu, said Nigeria’s democratic evolution demands greater transparency and accountability in the conduct of elections.


The PFN’s position aligns with recent demonstrations by civil society groups under the banner “Occupy National Assembly,” who gathered at the entrance of the National Assembly advocating the explicit inclusion of real-time electronic transmission of results in the electoral amendment bill. The protesters argued that such a provision would enhance fairness and transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections. The Senate, however, has denied excluding the clause from the proposed legislation.


Ilechukwu affirmed the Fellowship’s support for the agitation, noting that credible elections remain the bedrock of sustainable democracy.


“We support the Nigerian people in their call for the passage of real-time transmission of election results. Nigeria has developed to a point where we must strengthen trust in our electoral system. One of the ways to do that is to ensure that the votes of Nigerians truly count,” he said.



He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold its constitutional mandate by delivering credible, transparent, and acceptable elections in 2027.


On insecurity, the PFN commended the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts to address security challenges across the country.


Ilechukwu acknowledged recent adjustments in the nation’s security architecture, including leadership changes in the Armed Forces and Nigeria’s security cooperation with the United States.


“We commend the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling insecurity. We have observed changes in the military architecture, including leadership adjustments and strengthened partnerships with the United States. While the government inherited significant security challenges, it also inherited the responsibility to confront them decisively,” he stated.


He added that although recent interventions have brought interim relief to communities affected by violence, more sustained action is required.


“We are praying for President Bola Tinubu and his team to intensify their efforts. The perpetrators of violence are not relenting. Without security, there can be no peace, progress, or prosperity,” he said.


Also speaking on Nigeria–United States relations, the National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, commended bilateral security cooperation but cautioned against compromising Nigeria’s sovereignty in the process.


“We acknowledge the tremendous efforts of our government in addressing insecurity, and we appreciate the support from the United States.


“However, Nigeria must not mortgage its sovereignty, economy, or strategic assets in the name of military assistance,” Oke said.


He stressed that while international partnerships are necessary, they must be anchored on mutual respect and equality.


“We should cooperate as equal partners. We need expertise, training, and technical support, but we do not need foreign boots on our soil.


“If our military personnel receive the same level of training and equipment as their American counterparts, they are fully capable of winning this fight,” he added.


Security collaboration between Nigeria and the United States gained heightened attention on Christmas Day 2025 when American forces reportedly carried out a targeted air operation against insurgents in Sokoto State, marking the first publicly known direct strike of its kind on Nigerian soil. In addition, American military

personnel are said to be present in Nigeria primarily for intelligence-gathering missions and to provide strategic support and training to the Nigerian Armed Forces in ongoing counterinsurgency operations.


The PFN maintained that while such cooperation may strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to combat insurgency, the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereign control must remain paramount.

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