By Nathaniel Zaccheaus, Abuja
The Senate on Tuesday dramatically reversed its earlier stance on the electronic transmission of election results, approving an amendment that empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit polling unit results, while allowing manual collation in the event of network challenges.
The reversal followed intense public backlash and unfolded during a tense, disorderly emergency sitting marked by procedural disputes, shouted points of order, and sharp divisions among lawmakers.
Presiding over the session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the controversy surrounding Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, which the chamber had passed on February 4 with the contentious use of the word “transfer” instead of “transmission.”
Shortly after Akpabio began reading excerpts from the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North) invoked Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders to seek a rescission of the earlier resolution.
Moving the motion, Monguno said the Senate could not afford to ignore widespread public concern over the clause.
“Post-passage concerns have arisen, particularly on Clause 60(3), and this Senate, as the representative of the Nigerian people, must ensure that our laws inspire confidence and credibility,” he said.
He argued that the ambiguity in the clause’s wording could undermine trust in the electoral process.
“The confusion between ‘transfer’ and ‘transmission’ has generated fear and doubt. We must be clear, precise and unambiguous if we want elections that are transparent and acceptable to Nigerians,” Monguno added.
*INEC to transmit electronically, and manually when hitches occur
Under the amended provision, presiding officers at polling units are required to electronically transmit results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after completing and signing Form EC8A.
If electronic transmission fails due to network or communication issues, the manually completed Form EC8A will serve as the primary basis for collating and declaring results.
Clarifying the scope of the amendment, Akpabio said the provision strikes a balance between technology and reality.
“The clause provides that presiding officers shall electronically transmit the results from polling units to INEC’s IReV portal, and where electronic transmission fails, Form EC8A shall be the primary means of collation,” he ruled.
The motion was seconded by Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue), who described the Senate’s action as a necessary correction.
“This is the beauty of democracy. When you discover that something needs adjustment, you must have the courage to correct it,” Moro said.
However, the chamber descended into further chaos after the motion was declared carried by voice vote. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (PDP, Abia South) invoked Order 72, demanding a division and individual voting.
The demand triggered loud protests and multiple points of order, forcing Akpabio to repeatedly bang the gavel to restore order.
In a dramatic twist, Abaribe later withdrew his request for a division, further unsettling proceedings.
Ruling on the matter, Akpabio upheld the voice vote and affirmed the amendment.
*Tinubu set to assent as amended bill nears completion
With the contentious issue resolved, the Senate adopted the Votes and Proceedings of the previous sitting and moved to reconstitute the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill to harmonise differences between its version and that of the House of Representatives.
Announcing the decision during the emergency plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio disclosed that the committee was expanded from nine to 12 members after consultations with the leadership of the chamber.
“After consultation with the leadership, we have moved the number from nine to 12. I will now read out the names of the conference committee members from the Senate,” Akpabio said.
The committee is chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong, with Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Iya Abbas, Tokunbo Abiru, Niyi Adegbonmire (SAN), Jibrin Isah, Ipalibo Banigo and Onyekachi Nwebonyi serving as members.
Akpabio urged the committee to treat its assignment with urgency, expressing confidence that the harmonisation process could be concluded swiftly.
“When you meet, you should recognise that this is a matter of urgency. I believe that if you are able to conclude within the next few days or one week, the President should be able to sign the amended Electoral Bill into an Act of Parliament within this month,” he said.
He added that the final outcome would be transmitted promptly to President Bola Tinubu for assent within February, after which he struck the gavel to formally constitute the committee.
