ABUJA: Fresh details have emerged on how Nigeria’s Senate rejected a proposal that would have made real-time electronic transmission of election results compulsory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The proposal was part of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026, specifically an amendment to Clause 60(3), which sought to compel Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presiding officers to upload polling unit results directly to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real time.
However, the 10th Senate, led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, ultimately voted against the clause despite earlier indications of support.
According to sources familiar with the legislative process, the Senate initially worked with a version of the bill that retained real-time electronic transmission. But after extended deliberations that reportedly stretched late into the evening, the final version passed excluded the provision.
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Insiders claim that three ranking senators from southern Nigeria intervened at a critical stage, urging the retention of the existing Electoral Act framework rather than introducing mandatory real-time transmission.
The Senate subsequently opted to maintain the current provision allowing electronic transmission only after votes have been counted and publicly declared at polling units. Notably, the word transfer replaced “transmission in the adopted clause, aligning it with the 2022 Electoral Act.
The rejected clause had earlier been recommended by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters chaired by Senator Simon Lalong. It followed consultations by an ad hoc committee led by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, which engaged INEC, civil society organisations and other stakeholders through public hearings nationwide.
These consultations reportedly produced broad consensus that explicit legal backing for real-time electronic transmission was necessary to avoid controversies similar to those experienced during the 2023 general elections.
Under the proposed amendment, presiding officers would have electronically transmitted polling unit results immediately after completing official documentation, a move intended to improve transparency and reduce opportunities for result manipulation.
Following widespread public criticism, the Senate has now scheduled an emergency plenary session for February 10, 2026.
Although the official notice did not specify the reason, the timing suggests a response to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Electoral Act amendment.
Parliamentary sources say the session may address approval of votes and proceedings related to the bill, a necessary step before a joint conference committee can harmonise the Senate and House of Representatives versions.
Beyond the debate on electronic transmission, the Senate introduced several other amendments:
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Proposed stricter penalties for voter card trading were dropped.
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Notice period for elections was reduced from 360 days to 180 days.
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Deadline for political parties to submit candidates’ lists was shortened from 180 days to 90 days.
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The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) replaced smart card readers, while Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) remain the sole voter identification method.
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Provisions easing proof of electoral non-compliance in court petitions were removed over concerns about judicial workload.
The Nigerian Bar Association expressed concern over delays in finalising the Electoral Act amendment but noted that preparations for the 2027 elections could continue under existing laws.
Some election policy advocates have also urged INEC to proceed with issuing election notices based on current legislation while lawmakers resolve outstanding issues.
Civil society leaders warn that lack of clarity on electronic transmission could weaken public trust in elections and fuel political tensions if not addressed promptly.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of potential nationwide protests or even election boycotts if real-time electronic transmission is not clearly mandated. The labour body argues that ambiguity in electoral laws risks undermining confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
According to the union, Nigerians deserve a system where election results are transparent, verifiable, and free from suspicion.
With debates over electoral transparency intensifying, analysts believe the outcome of the amendment process could significantly shape public confidence in the 2027 general elections.
Whether lawmakers revisit the rejected clause or maintain the current legal framework, the issue of electronic transmission of election results is likely to remain a central topic in Nigeria’s political discourse in the months ahead.
