GODSWILL-AKPABIO
Tosin Ogunrinde
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has clarified that the Senate did not reject the electronic transmission of election results, but rather retained the existing provision in the 2022 Electoral Act. This provision allows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the manner in which results are transmitted.
Akpabio explained that the removal of the phrase “real time” from the provision was to prevent legal and technical complications, allowing INEC flexibility in determining the mode of result transmission. He emphasized that electronic transmission remains permissible and is still part of the law, supporting transparency and efficiency in elections.
The clarification follows criticism from key stakeholders and opposition parties over reports that the Senate had rejected mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had called on the Senate to include mandatory electronic transmission of election results in the Act.
Akpabio insisted that the Senate’s decision had been misrepresented, and the chamber’s review focused on adjustments rather than reversals. He added that sustaining the electronic transmission process is important for transparency and efficiency in the conduct of elections.
The controversy arose from a misunderstanding of the amendment process, with some reports suggesting the Senate had voted against mandatory electronic transmission. Akpabio emphasized that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission from the law, and INEC should determine the mode and timing of result transmission within the framework of the law.
The Senate’s clarification has been welcomed by some, while others, including the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE), have expressed concerns and called for the reinstatement of mandatory electronic transmission of results. The MCE argues that electronic transmission is a minimum safeguard against result tampering and post-election fraud.
The National Assembly is continuing work on amendments to the Electoral Act ahead of future elections, and the Senate’s clarification is expected to provide reassurance on the use of technology in the electoral process.
