Nigeria Senate in Tumultuous Debate, Approves Conditional E-Transmission of Electoral Results

Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur investigative Journalist.

ABUJA, Nigeria — A highly charged session of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tuesday resulted in lawmakers approving a conditional electronic transmission clause in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026, a move that has reignited national discourse on electoral transparency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections. Vanguard News +1 Under the revised provision in Clause 60(3) of the bill, presiding officers at polling units will be required to electronically transmit election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV) after Form EC8A — the official results sheet — has been signed and stamped by the presiding officer and, where available, countersigned by polling agents. The Telegraph Nigeria However, the Senate stopped short of mandating real-time transmission — a key demand of civil society groups and opposition figures — by including a safeguard that allows manual collation and submission using Form EC8A if electronic transmission fails due to network or technical issues. Daily Report Rowdy Debate Reflects Deep Divisions the Thursday plenary session turned rowdy as lawmakers debated whether to revisit and rescind the Senate’s earlier rejection of electronic transmission proposals. Senator tahir Monguno, Senate Chief Whip, moved the motion to amend the clause, which was seconded by Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro. Debate intensified when Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe raised a point of order, triggering loud exchanges on the Senate floor before he ultimately withdrew his request for a division vote. Abuja press Senate President God’s Will Akpabio and other proponents argued that the amendment reflects a balanced approach suited to Nigeria’s infrastructural landscape and public expectations. Critics, however, contend that failing to require real-time result uploads could undermine confidence in the electoral process and leave room for manipulation. Business day NG Broader Political and Public Response the Senate’s decision comes amid sustained public pressure, including protests outside the National Assembly by civil society organisations, activists, and opposition leaders who have insisted on strong electoral reforms, especially around result transparency. The Guardian Nigeria +1 Opposition voices — including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — earlier criticised the Senate for initially rejecting electronic transmission, saying it would erode faith in the electoral process. Independent Newspaper Nigeria legal and governance experts have also weighed in, warning that ambiguous or weakened transmission requirements could prolong post-election disputes and dampen public trust in electoral outcomes — concerns that are likely to surface again when a conference committee meets to harmonise the Senate and House of Representatives versions before presidential assent. The Telegraph Nigeria what Comes NextA 12 – member conference committee has been constituted to reconcile differences between the Senate and House’s versions of the Electoral Act amendment. The committee is expected to finalise its work ahead of the bill’s presentation for presidential assent, a crucial step in Nigeria’s democratic calendar as the nation prepares for its next general elections in 2027. The Telegraph Nigeria Sources:• Electoral Act: Rowdy session as Senate okays conditional e-transmission of results — Vanguard Nigeria (Feb. 11, 2026)• Senate amends Electoral Act to allow e-transmission of results with safeguards — Daily Report Nigeria (Feb. 10, 2026)• Senate Caves in, Amends Electoral Act on Electronic Transmission of Results — Business Post Nigeria (Feb. 10, 2026)• Senate bows to pressure, adopts e-transmission of election results — Business day NG (Feb. 10, 2026)• Nigerians protest as senators back manual transmission of electoral results in 2027 — NigerianEye.com (Feb. 11, 2026) Vanguard News Daily Report Business Post Nigeria Business day NG Nigeria News Today.

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Afilawos Magana Sur

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Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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