The Nigerian Senate appears to have backtracked and now denies that it voted against the electronic transmission of election results while considering the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified the matter shortly after the upper chamber passed the bill on Wednesday, following a four-hour plenary session.
Debate on the controversial amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3 sparked a firestorm of commentaries online, with reports suggesting lawmakers had rejected mandatory electronic transmission of polling unit results.
Akpabio described those reports as misleading.
“This Senate has not rejected electronic transmission of results,” he said. “Electronic transmission remains part of Nigeria’s electoral framework.”
He explained that the chamber merely retained provisions already in the law and applied during the 2022 elections, which allow results to be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”
Akpabio stressed that the amendment did not roll back existing gains and urged Nigerians not to be misled by social media narratives. He noted that official voting records and proceedings are available for verification.
Commitment to Credible Elections
The Senate President emphasized that maintaining electronic transmission aligns with the chamber’s commitment to credible elections.
“Our actions are consistent with ensuring transparency and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process,” Akpabio said.
He warned against interpretations suggesting regression in electoral reforms, noting that the Senate remains focused on improving Nigeria’s democratic framework.
Electronic transmission of results has been one of the most contentious issues in Nigeria’s electoral reforms, particularly since the 2023 general elections.
Civil society groups and opposition parties have repeatedly called for clearer legal provisions to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation.
Akpabio said his intervention was necessary to calm rising public anxiety over the matter and correct what he described as misrepresentation of the Senate’s decision, as lawmakers continue work on reforms ahead of future polls.
Already, the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC), have harshly berated the ruling party which has a commanding control of both chambers of Nigeria’s legislature of covet plot to rig the 2027 election by sabotaging the electoral law amendments.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
