The Nigerian Senate has amended the Electoral Act to allow electronic transmission of election results, reversing its earlier position that rejected compulsory digital uploads from polling units.
The decision was taken during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, following intense public pressure and nationwide protests demanding transparent and credible elections.
Under the revised framework, electronic transmission will serve as the primary method of uploading results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal. However, in situations where network challenges or technical failures occur, manual collation using Form EC8A will be permitted as a fallback option.
Lawmakers explained that the adjustment was designed to balance technological innovation with practical safeguards to prevent electoral disruptions. The Senate, however, maintained the removal of the phrase “real-time,” leaving the exact timing of uploads subject to operational conditions.
The amendment generated heated debates within the Red Chamber, with sharp disagreements among senators over the continued reliance on manual result forms. Some lawmakers warned that excessive dependence on physical documentation could expose elections to manipulation.
Following prolonged deliberations, the Senate adopted a revised clause that prioritises electronic transmission while permitting manual submission strictly when digital uploads are not feasible.
To harmonise differences between the Senate and House of Representatives versions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, the upper chamber also constituted a 12-member conference committee. Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the committee would work urgently to resolve outstanding disagreements and submit a final version for presidential assent.
Akpabio expressed optimism that the legislative process would be concluded swiftly, noting that President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended bill into law before the end of February.
The Senate’s latest decision comes amid growing national concern over electoral transparency. Civil society groups, opposition parties, and prominent political figures have staged protests and advocacy campaigns, insisting that electronic transmission remains crucial to restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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