Fawaz Adebisi
The Nigerian Senate today approved amendments to the Electoral Act, mandating the electronic transmission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s Result Viewing Portal, IReV.
The decision, which comes after days of public outcry and protests, includes a provision for manual collation as a fallback in cases of technical failures, such as network disruptions.
The amended Clause 60(3) requires presiding officers at each polling unit to electronically transmit results after Form EC8A has been completed, signed, and stamped by INEC officials and party agents where available.
However, if electronic transmission is hindered by communication issues, the manual Form EC8A will serve as the primary source for result collation and declaration.
This hybrid approach was passed almost unanimously during an emergency plenary session, reflecting a rare consensus in the chamber but stopping short of making real-time electronic transmission fully mandatory without exceptions.
The approval reverses earlier reports from last week suggesting the Senate had rejected mandatory real-time transmission, opting instead to retain INEC’s discretion over methods.
Speaking during the proceedings, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the chamber had not outright rejected electronic transmission but aimed to balance technological advancement with practical realities in Nigeria’s diverse terrain.
Speaking also, Senator Victor Umeh, representing Anambra Central, emphasized that over 85% of senators supported electronic transmission to prevent legal disputes over results, as seen in past elections.
However, public reaction has been mixed. Pro-reform advocates hail it as a win for transparency, noting that electronic uploads will allow real-time public monitoring via IReV, reducing opportunities for fraud.
“This is progress,” said civic group Kimpact Development Initiative in a statement, urging the conference committee to align with the House of Representatives’ stronger stance on real-time mandates.
However, critics argue the manual backup creates loopholes for manipulation, reminiscent of the 2023 election “glitches” that fueled allegations of rigging.
“It’s semantics – they’re desperate to maintain room for mutilated results,” tweeted political analyst Ebere Anosike.
INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan had previously expressed concerns over delays in electoral reforms, stressing the need for clarity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Experts like Usman Bugaje, a former House member, also insisted that full real-time electronic transmission is essential for credible polls, warning that half-measures could undermine public trust.
“The Senate folding even this much is an achievement, but vigilance is key,” noted activist Muhammad Safeeyan on X.
As gathered, the bill now heads to a conference committee to reconcile differences with the House version, which favors stricter real-time requirements.
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