Background of the Electoral Amendment
Originally, the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026 required presiding officers to upload results from each polling unit directly to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) immediately after counting votes. Experts say this rule would prevent delays and reduce election disputes.
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Sudden Change in the Senate
During a late Senate session, lawmakers deleted the mandatory real-time clause. Instead, they included vague wording that instructs presiding officers to “transfer results in a manner prescribed by the Commission.” Critics argue this weakens accountability.
Sources claim that three senior Southern senators pressured the Senate leadership to reject the real-time requirement. Consequently, Senate President Godswill Akpabio approved the amendment.
Public Backlash and Emergency Session
The decision caused an immediate backlash. Opposition parties, civil society groups, and election observers criticized the Senate. They warned that without legally mandated real-time uploads, manipulation and delays could increase.
As a result, the Senate scheduled an emergency sitting on February 10, 2026 to review and reconcile the bill with the House of Representatives’ version.
Internal Senate Disagreement
However, some senators insist that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission entirely. Instead, they argue that only the “real-time” aspect caused disagreement. Senator Victor Umeh stated that 85% of lawmakers supported electronic transmission, but concerns about network reliability in some areas led to the removal of “real-time” from the law.
Meanwhile, other lawmakers continue to advocate for stronger reforms, emphasizing that real-time transmission remains critical for credible elections.
Political and National Implications
The PDP, ADC, and NNPP criticized the Senate, claiming the amendment favors the ruling APC by limiting transparency. Civil society groups also warned that failing to enforce real-time uploads could spark protests or boycotts during the 2027 elections.
Next Steps for Electoral Reform
The harmonization committee now faces the task of reconciling the Senate and House versions. The House still supports mandatory real-time uploads. Therefore, experts say that this step is vital to ensure credibility and public trust in the elections.
For Nigerians concerned about fairness, this legislative fight may prove as consequential as the elections themselves.
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