“Senate Didn’t Reject Electronic Transmission” – Lawmakers Speak As Debate Over Electoral Act Sparks Tension

The Nigerian Senate has been thrown into fresh controversy following conflicting reports over whether lawmakers removed the provision for mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act.

The confusion emerged after Wednesday’s plenary session, when reports circulated claiming that the upper chamber had dropped the requirement for real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units. 

The development triggered widespread reactions from political parties, civil society groups, and election observers who warned that such a move could weaken electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

However, a group of opposition senators led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe moved quickly to clarify the situation, insisting that the Senate had not taken a final decision on the matter.

“To put the record straight, the Senate did not reject electronic transmission of results,” Abaribe told journalists in Abuja. “What we passed was electronic transmission of results, and deliberations are still ongoing.”

According to the lawmakers, more than two-thirds of senators support maintaining the clause that mandates the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically in real time. 

They added that the legislative process is not yet complete, as the Senate still needs to review and approve the final votes and proceedings before the bill is sent for presidential assent.

The senators also emphasized that they would continue monitoring the bill to ensure the provision remains intact. 

They explained that a joint committee of lawmakers from both chambers had previously agreed that electronic transmission is essential for improving election credibility and reducing disputes.

Abaribe noted that several retreats and consultations were held before the amendment bill was presented, and there was broad consensus among committee members that technology should play a central role in modern elections.

Despite these assurances, opposition political parties reacted strongly to the reports suggesting the clause had been removed. In a joint statement, spokespersons of major opposition parties described the alleged decision as a step backward for democracy.

They warned that any attempt to weaken safeguards in the electoral process could undermine public confidence and fuel disputes during future elections.

“The implications of such a move are serious and capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy,” the statement said, adding that Nigerians expect reforms that strengthen transparency rather than weaken it.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also expressed concern over the controversy. 

Obi, in particular, criticized what he described as attempts to manipulate the electoral system, arguing that the country must adopt stronger technological measures to ensure credible elections.

He pointed to disputes that followed previous elections and said many of the challenges were linked to gaps in the transmission and collation of results.

Political analysts say the debate highlights the importance of clear communication during the legislative process, especially on sensitive issues such as electoral reforms. 

They note that public trust in elections often depends on transparency, and any perception of weakening safeguards can quickly generate tension.

Nigeria has in recent years introduced several technological innovations in elections, including electronic accreditation of voters and the use of online portals for viewing polling unit results. 

Supporters of electronic transmission argue that expanding these systems can help reduce manipulation and speed up the declaration of results.