Moses Adeniyi
The Senate Minority Caucus has dismissed widespread reports suggesting that the National Assembly rejected electronic transmission of election results, insisting that the provision remains firmly embedded in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill currently under consideration.
The clarification comes amid public backlash that trailed Wednesday’s plenary session, where viral media reports alleged that lawmakers had rejected proposals for electronic transmission of results and stiff sanctions, including a 10-year ban for vote buyers and electoral offenders.
However, Senate Minority Caucus members on Thursday described the reports as inaccurate and misleading.
Speaking with journalists, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, emphasised that the Senate not only retained the provision but unanimously supported it across party lines.
“Since yesterday, the media has been awash with reports suggesting that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results. That is not correct,” Abaribe stated.
“To put the record straight, the Senate did not — I repeat, did not — reject electronic transmission of results as provided for in the 2022 Electoral Act.”
Senate President Also Dismissed Reports
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier rejected claims that lawmakers abandoned electronic transmission, maintaining that legislators deliberately retained the provision contained in the 2022 Electoral Act to avoid legal ambiguities and operational challenges.
Legislative Process Behind the Decision
Abaribe provided insights into the legislative process that culminated in the Senate’s position, noting that extensive consultations preceded the decision.
According to him, a joint committee comprising members of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters held multiple retreats both within and outside Abuja. These engagements involved the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several civil society organisations.
“At the end of those retreats, everyone agreed that electronic transmission of results was the way to go. That position was reflected in the reports presented to both chambers,” he explained.
He noted that the legislative journey also included public hearings, debates, and further committee reviews, describing electronic transmission as a “core and non-negotiable” electoral reform.
Why the Confusion Occurred
The senator attributed the controversy to disruptions during plenary deliberations, including movement and noise within the chamber, which he said created the false impression that the provision had been rejected.
“At plenary yesterday, we passed the electronic transmission of results. However, because of movement and noise in the chamber, it appeared to some that something went wrong,” Abaribe said.
He further disclosed that video records from the session confirmed that the Senate President affirmed the passage of the provision.
Role of the Ad Hoc Committee
Addressing questions over the creation of an Ad Hoc Committee after the standing committee had completed its work, opposition lawmakers said the Senate reserves the constitutional right to regulate its internal legislative processes.
The Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar, was mandated to review outstanding issues and streamline areas requiring further clarity.
According to Abaribe, deliberations by the Electoral Committee, the Ad Hoc Committee, and the executive session of senators collectively endorsed electronic transmission as contained in Section 65 of the amendment bill.
Harmonisation Process Yet to Begin
Abaribe explained that the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the bill still require harmonisation, particularly on procedural and timeline-related differences.
However, he noted that the Senate is yet to adopt its Votes and Proceedings, a constitutional requirement before harmonisation can commence.
“After plenary yesterday, we adjourned without adopting the votes and proceedings. Under our rules, harmonisation cannot begin without that step,” he said.
He assured that the Senate would reconvene to formally adopt the document, stressing that it must accurately reflect the provision on electronic transmission.
Cross-Party Agreement on Electoral Transparency
The senator underscored that support for electronic transmission transcends party affiliations.
“This is not a party matter. Senators across party lines agree on this because transparent, free, and fair elections are the foundation of democracy,” he said.
“If results are not transparent or the process is distorted, then it is not a democracy.”
Nigeria’s Push for Electoral Transparency
Electronic transmission of election results became a central feature of Nigeria’s 2022 Electoral Act, widely regarded as one of the country’s most significant electoral reforms in recent years.
The reform was introduced to:
- Reduce electoral fraud
- Improve real-time monitoring of results
- Enhance transparency in vote collation
- Strengthen public confidence in elections
The provision played a major role during the 2023 general elections, though it also generated political and legal debates over implementation challenges.
Electronic transmission allows INEC to upload polling unit results directly to a central digital portal in real time. This system reduces manual handling of result sheets, which has historically been linked to manipulation and delays.
What Electronic Transmission Offers Nigeria’s Democracy
✔ Strengthening Electoral Confidence: Maintaining electronic transmission could boost public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
✔ Enhancing Election Monitoring: Political parties, civil society groups, and voters can track results more transparently.
✔ Reducing Electoral Violence and Disputes: Faster and transparent result transmission reduces tensions often associated with delayed announcements.
✔ Improving Nigeria’s Democratic Reputation: Observers say maintaining technological reforms enhances Nigeria’s credibility among global democratic institutions.
The Senate is expected to reconvene to adopt its Votes and Proceedings, after which a harmonisation committee will reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill before forwarding it to the President for assent.