The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has criticized the Nigerian Senate over its recent amendment to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act, warning that the move could pave the way for manipulation in the 2027 elections.

The amendment, which permits electronic transmission of election results from polling units “provided the system does not fail,” was described by CUPP as a mere cosmetic change that fails to address existing loopholes.

According to the coalition, the revision does not differ significantly from the previous ambiguous provision and leaves room for “confusion, manipulation, and distrust” in the electoral process.

“By tying electronic transmission to the unreliable caveat of system non-failure, the Senate has deliberately created a loophole that can be exploited by those in power, particularly the ruling APC,” the statement, signed by Peter Ameh, CUPP Secretary, read.

CUPP described the amendment as a “wayo twist” that allows manual interference at collation centres under the guise of technical glitches. “This excuse has undermined our elections for years. The more the law appears to change, the more it remains the same,” the coalition added.

The party further argued that the amendment falls short of Nigerians’ demand for mandatory, real-time electronic transmission of results to the IREV portal without conditions or loopholes, warning that it undermines the credibility of future elections.

CUPP called on Nigerians, civil society groups, the media, and international observers to reject what it termed a “half-hearted reform” and demand genuine electoral justice.

“Our votes must count, and our democracy must not be held hostage by self-serving Senators,” the coalition said.