The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026, following a stormy debate and tense clashes over the contentious issue of electronic transmission of election results.
The passage came after intense deliberations on Clause 60, which addresses the mode of transmitting results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Lawmakers faced rowdy sessions amid public pressure, including protests outside the National Assembly demanding mandatory real-time electronic transmission to enhance transparency and reduce manipulation in future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls.
The debate centered on whether to make electronic transmission compulsory or retain flexibility for INEC. Initially, some reports suggested rejection of mandatory provisions, sparking outrage from civil society and protesters chanting for Senate President Godswill Akpabio to “pass the bill.” However, after heated arguments and motions—including calls for division and reconsideration—the Senate adopted a provision allowing presiding officers to electronically transmit results after signing Form EC8A, with a manual backup (Form EC8A) serving as the primary source if transmission fails due to network issues.
This hybrid approach aims to balance technological advancement with practical challenges like infrastructure gaps in remote areas.The bill also included other amendments, such as reducing the election notice period from 360 to 300 days to avoid scheduling polls during Ramadan in 2027.
The passage followed rescission of earlier decisions and recommittal to the Committee of the Whole for clause-by-clause review, reflecting efforts to address discrepancies and stakeholder concerns. Senate leaders defended the outcome as promoting credible elections without risking excessive litigation in underserved regions.The bill now heads toward harmonization with the House of Representatives’ version, after which it will be sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
The process has highlighted deep divisions over electoral reforms, with critics arguing it preserves ambiguity that could undermine public trust, while supporters emphasize pragmatism in Nigeria’s diverse infrastructure landscape.
