The Senate was thrown into sharp division on Thursday after a group of 13 prominent opposition lawmakers publicly rejected claims that the upper legislative chamber had removed the provision for mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026.
The clarification followed intense public backlash and widespread criticism that erupted after reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting that the Senate had voted against real-time electronic transmission of election results. Many Nigerians interpreted the development as a major setback for electoral transparency and reform.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, the opposition senators, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, insisted that the Senate had not concluded deliberations on the contentious clause and that the provision for electronic transmission of results remained firmly on the table. Abaribe was joined at the briefing by Senators Victor Umeh, Abdul Ningi, and ten other lawmakers.
According to the group, they remain fully committed to the proposed amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3 of the bill, which seeks to make the electronic transmission of polling unit results compulsory. The senators pledged to closely track the bill at every stage of the legislative process until it is transmitted to the President for assent.
They further disclosed that a clear majority within the Senate supports real-time electronic transmission, stressing that the matter is far from settled. The lawmakers argued that more than two-thirds of senators favour the reform, countering narratives that the chamber had voted it down.
Speaking during the briefing, Abaribe moved to correct what he described as widespread misinformation. He stated that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission during Wednesday’s plenary, contrary to media reports. He explained that what was adopted was, in fact, electronic transmission of results, a position he said was clarified by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during the session.
The opposition lawmakers said the press conference was convened to reassure Nigerians of their unwavering commitment to credible elections and to dispel fears that lawmakers were attempting to roll back hard-won electoral reforms.
Abaribe further revealed that consensus had already been reached during internal Senate deliberations, including meetings of both the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters and an ad hoc committee, as well as during a closed executive session. According to him, all parties agreed on retaining Section 60(3), which mandates electronic transmission of election results.
The senators also pointed out that the Senate had yet to reconvene to formally adopt the votes and proceedings of the previous plenary session, meaning that the legislative process on the bill was still ongoing.
They expressed concern over the public outrage generated by the controversy, particularly as it relates to Section 60(3) of the bill. The clause directs the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal in real time, after results sheets have been duly signed and authenticated at the polling units.
The confusion stemmed from an announcement made by Senate President Akpabio during clause-by-clause consideration of the bill on Wednesday, when he stated that Clause 60 had been adopted “as amended” rather than in its original form. That announcement sparked speculation that the real-time transmission requirement had been removed.
However, the opposition senators insisted that such interpretations were inaccurate. Abaribe explained that joint committees of the National Assembly from both chambers had worked extensively on the amendment bill and unanimously agreed that electronic transmission of results was essential to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.
He added that the outcome of those committee engagements was clearly reflected in both the House of Representatives and Senate reports. According to him, the Senate’s ad hoc committee report was reviewed during a closed session to resolve outstanding issues, after which the bill would be returned to plenary for final passage without controversy.
The debate has continued to attract strong reactions nationwide. Several political leaders, opposition parties, and civil society organisations have voiced concern over the reported development. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and various advocacy groups warned that any attempt to weaken electronic transmission provisions could erode public trust and undermine the credibility of future elections.
As deliberations continue, opposition lawmakers insist that the Senate remains committed to reforms that enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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