News

Senate Denies Rejecting Electronic Transmission of Election Results

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedFebruary 5, 2026

The Senate Minority Caucus on Thursday clarified that, contrary to widespread reports, the Senate did not reject the electronic transmission of election results before passing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

The clarification follows media reports on Wednesday suggesting that lawmakers had opposed electronic transmission of results and a 10-year ban on vote buyers and other electoral offenders.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had dismissed the claims as misleading, emphasising that electronic transfer remains as provided under the 2022 Electoral Act.

Speaking to journalists, former Senate Minority Leader Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said the caucus acted to correct “a widespread misunderstanding” of Wednesday’s plenary.

“Since yesterday, the media has been awash with reports suggesting that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results. That is not correct,” Abaribe said.

He explained that the Senate passed provisions for electronic transmission, a position affirmed by the Senate President during plenary.

He stressed that senators, acting under the trust of their constituents, considered it necessary to clarify the matter in the interest of transparency.

Abaribe outlined the legislative process, noting that the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters, which included INEC and civil society representatives, had unanimously agreed on electronic transmission of results.

He described it as a “core, non-negotiable provision” that underwent extensive debate, public hearings, and consultations.

Following the joint committee’s report, an Ad hoc Committee chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar reviewed the findings, which were then deliberated in a closed session to resolve outstanding issues.

The electronic transmission provision was unanimously endorsed and passed during plenary, though Abaribe acknowledged that movement and noise in the chamber may have created confusion.

He added that video records confirm the Senate President affirmed the passage of the electronic transmission provision.

A harmonisation committee will later reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill, but this cannot occur until the Senate formally adopts the votes and proceedings.

“Only after that can the harmonisation committee meet. At harmonisation, you either adopt the House version or the Senate version — nothing else,” Abaribe said.

He emphasised that senators across party lines support electronic transmission of results, saying it is essential for transparent, free, and fair elections.

The caucus assured that due process will be followed to ensure the final document reflects the will of the legislature.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.