Nigerian Senate Debunks Claims of Rejecting Electronic Transmission of Election Results
The Nigerian Senate has officially clarified its position regarding the electronic transmission of election results, dismissing widespread reports that suggested the legislative body had rejected this crucial electoral process. Senate President Godswill Akpabio addressed the matter directly, emphasizing that the upper chamber has not removed electronic transmission from the nation's electoral laws.
Senate President's Clarification on Electoral Amendments
During a marathon session that lasted approximately four and a half hours on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the Senate passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Following this significant legislative action, Akpabio took the opportunity to correct what he described as misleading information circulating on social media platforms.
"Distinguished colleagues, the social media is already awash with reports that the Senate has literally rejected electronic transmission of results. That is not true," Akpabio stated emphatically. "What we did was to retain the electronic transmission that was in the act and was used in 2022."
The Senate President further explained that the legislative body simply maintained the existing provisions regarding electronic transmission that were already established in previous electoral legislation. He urged the Nigerian public to exercise caution and not be swayed by misinformation campaigns.
Transparency and Legislative Process
In his address to both his colleagues and the Nigerian public, Akpabio made several important points regarding the Senate's approach to electoral reforms:
- The Senate has preserved electronic transmission provisions that were successfully implemented during the 2022 elections
- Final votes and proceedings from the legislative session will be made available to concerned citizens upon request
- The current Senate leadership recognizes the importance of electronic transmission for future elections
"This Senate under my watch has not rejected the electronic transmission of results. It is in my interest as a participant in the next election for such to be done," Akpabio remarked, highlighting his personal stake in ensuring transparent electoral processes.
Background on Electoral Act Amendments
The Senate's passage of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2026 followed detailed consideration of its 155 clauses. While the majority of provisions were retained as originally proposed, several key amendments were implemented:
- The timeline for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish election notices has been reduced
- Electronic transmission mechanisms from previous legislation have been preserved
- The bill maintains flexibility for INEC to determine appropriate transmission methods
This legislative action comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with electoral transparency and technological integration remaining central concerns for both political stakeholders and the voting public.
Judicial Context and Previous Legal Challenges
The Senate's clarification arrives against a backdrop of ongoing legal discussions regarding electronic transmission of results. Notably, the Labour Party previously sought judicial intervention to mandate exclusive electronic transmission methods for the 2023 elections.
However, the Federal High Court in Abuja, under Justice Emeka Nwite, ruled that the Electoral Act 2022 grants INEC the discretion to determine appropriate transmission methodologies. This judicial precedent underscores the legislative framework within which the Senate operates regarding electoral technology implementation.
As Nigeria continues to refine its electoral processes, the Senate's reaffirmation of electronic transmission provisions represents a significant step toward maintaining technological advancements in the country's democratic practices while addressing public concerns about electoral integrity.
