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The Nigerian Senate has dismissed claims that it rejected the electronic transmission of election results while considering the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday.
Addressing journalists on Thursday, former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe said reports suggesting that lawmakers voted against e-transmission were inaccurate and stemmed from a misunderstanding of proceedings during Wednesday’s plenary.
Abaribe said the Senate, in line with the 2022 Electoral Act, approved the electronic transmission of results and did not overturn the provision at any stage of the legislative process. He explained that the clarification became necessary after widespread media reports triggered public criticism of the Senate.
According to him, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had also described the reports as misleading and reaffirmed that the provision for electronic transmission remained intact.
Abaribe said the Senate passed the provision on e-transmission during plenary, but confusion arose due to movement and noise in the chamber at the time of the vote. He noted that senators later sought confirmation and were reassured that the clause had been approved, adding that video recordings of the session show the Senate President affirming the decision.
The lawmaker attributed the decision to extensive consultations by the joint Senate-House Committee on Electoral Matters, which included retreats, public hearings, and engagements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations.
He said the consultations produced a consensus that electronic transmission of results was essential and non-negotiable, a position reflected in committee reports presented to both chambers.
Abaribe added that an ad hoc committee, chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar, was later constituted to review the report and resolve outstanding issues during a closed-door session, after which an executive session was convened to ensure all disagreements were settled before the bill was passed at plenary.
According to him, the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, the ad hoc committee and the entire Senate unanimously agreed on the provision for electronic transmission of results as contained in Section 65 of the bill.
Abaribe further explained that a harmonisation committee would be established to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, particularly regarding timelines.
However, he noted that harmonisation could not begin until the Senate formally adopts its Votes and Proceedings, a step that was not completed before adjournment.
He assured that, when the Senate reconvenes, the Votes and Proceedings will clearly reflect the approval of the electronic transmission of results.
The senator stressed that the issue transcends party lines, noting that lawmakers across parties support e-transmission because transparent elections are fundamental to democracy.
He added that the Senate leadership would ensure due process is followed and that the final version of the bill accurately reflects the legislature’s decision.
