Senate Reverses Position, Approves Electronic Transmission of Election Results
The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step toward electoral reform by amending the Electoral Act to permit electronic transmission of election results. This decision represents a reversal of the upper chamber's earlier rejection of compulsory electronic transmission, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's electoral process.
Primary Electronic Transmission with Manual Backup
Under the newly revised framework, electronic transmission will serve as the primary method for uploading results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV). However, recognizing potential technical challenges, the Senate has retained manual backup procedures to ensure continuity in the electoral process.
The amended provisions specify that in cases of internet connectivity failure or other technical disruptions, Form EC8A will remain the fallback instrument for result collation. This manual alternative will only be valid when duly signed and stamped by the presiding officer at the polling unit, maintaining some level of accountability even in technical failure scenarios.
Contentious Debate and Legislative Process
The proposal generated heated debate among lawmakers during Tuesday's plenary session, which was marked by tense exchanges and repeated interruptions. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe initially demanded an individual vote to clearly determine each lawmaker's position on the controversial provisions, though he later withdrew this request.
Lawmakers expressed particular concern that reliance on Form EC8A in disputed cases could potentially undermine the objective of strengthening electoral transparency. These disagreements highlighted the complex balance between technological advancement and practical implementation in Nigeria's electoral system.
Clause 60(3) Amendments and Nationwide Reactions
The amendment formed part of deliberations on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026. Notably, the clause had earlier been altered to remove the phrase "real-time" in relation to electronic transmission, leaving INEC with discretion over the specific method and timing of result transmission.
This legislative development triggered nationwide reactions, including protests such as the Occupy National Assembly demonstration in Abuja. Civil society groups and prominent political figures, including Peter Obi and Rotimi Amaechi, had previously called for mandatory real-time electronic transmission to enhance electoral transparency and public confidence in the process.
Leadership Compromise and Conference Committee
During the emergency plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed a compromise position that designates electronic transmission as the primary method while allowing manual submission strictly in the event of technical failure. This balanced approach sought to address concerns from various stakeholders while moving the electoral process forward.
In a related development, the Senate constituted a 12-member conference committee to harmonise differences between its version of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill and that of the House of Representatives. The committee is chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and includes several prominent senators representing diverse regions and political affiliations.
Akpabio urged the committee to expedite its assignment, expressing optimism that the harmonised bill would be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for assent within February. He indicated his expectation that the President would sign the bill into law within a week once it is forwarded as an Act of Parliament.
Committee Members and Future Implications
The conference committee includes the following senators:
- Simon Bako Lalong (Chairman)
- Mohammed Tahir Monguno
- Adamu Aliero
- Orji Uzor Kalu
- Abba Moro
- Asuquo Ekpenyong
- Aminu Iya Abbas
- Tokunbo Abiru
- Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN)
- Jibrin Isah
- Ipalibo Banigo
- Onyekachi Nwebonyi
This legislative development represents a significant milestone in Nigeria's ongoing electoral reforms, balancing technological advancement with practical considerations for implementation across diverse regions with varying infrastructure capabilities. The retention of manual backup procedures acknowledges the reality of technical challenges while establishing electronic transmission as the standard for future elections.
