The Senate witnessed a dramatic turn during plenary on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill as Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe withdrew his earlier motion seeking an individual, on-record voting process on the controversial issue of electronic transmission of election results. The proposal had initially sought to replace the traditional voice vote and show-of-hands method with a named roll call to enhance transparency in the legislative decision-making process.
Senator Abaribe’s motion, moved moments earlier, was widely viewed as an attempt to ensure accountability by allowing Nigerians to know how each senator voted on the critical electoral reform. Supporters of the proposal argued that an individualized voting record would strengthen public trust and demonstrate lawmakers’ commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
However, following brief deliberations and what appeared to be a reconsideration, the Abia South lawmaker rose again to formally withdraw the motion. The Senate subsequently continued its deliberations using standard legislative procedures without conducting the proposed roll-call vote, effectively ending the push for individual voting on the matter during that session.
Meanwhile, the Senate proceeded to amend provisions of the Electoral Act by modifying Clause 60, mandating presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). The amendment is seen as a significant step toward strengthening transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Under the revised provision, the Senate introduced a contingency measure allowing the use of manual result sheets, specifically Form EC8A, as the primary collation document where electronic transmission fails due to communication or network challenges. Lawmakers explained that the backup measure was necessary to prevent legal disputes and operational disruptions in areas with weak technological infrastructure.
Political observers say the Senate’s decision reflects a compromise between proponents of full electronic transmission and those concerned about technological limitations across Nigeria’s vast and diverse terrain. Analysts believe the amendment could influence electoral administration and public confidence in the country’s voting system as preparations gradually begin for the next general elections.
