The Cross River State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (CR-NIPR) has waded into the national discourse surrounding the Electoral Reform Bill 2026, calling for a transition from "antagonism to collaboration" as the National Assembly works to harmonize the legislation.
In a Public Relations statement released on Friday after their monthly meeting, the Chapter Chairman, Dr Augustine Mboso, emphasized that the ongoing legislative review is a "critical component of democratic evolution" rather than a critique of past failures.
In his words, "As the Senate and House of Representatives work through a 12-member Conference Committee to resolve differences—specifically regarding the "real-time" electronic transmission of results—the NIPR is urging all parties to prioritize factual and respectful discourse.
"Reform is not an indictment of the past; rather, it is an opportunity to build on lessons learned and enhance public confidence in future elections," Mboso stated.
The Institute, representing communication and reputation management professionals, outlined four strategic priorities to ensure the bill meets the aspirations of Nigerians:
The group suggested that constructive Dialogue was key rather than discouraging inflammatory rhetoric in favor of solution-oriented debate.
While also calling for inclusive consultations with political actors, civil society, and electoral bodies to ensure the law carries "legitimacy," they stressed the need for clear communication of amendments to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The Cross River NIPR advocated for reforms that reinforce the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the reliability of technology like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
While the House of Representatives has pushed for mandatory real-time electronic transmission, the Senate’s version includes a "fallback mechanism" for manual collation in areas with poor infrastructure, the NIPR remains steadfast in its position that the success of these reforms depends on institutional independence and technological reliability.
The chapter reaffirmed its commitment to fostering an informed public discourse that supports national development and stability.
