Senate President Godswill Akpabio says the Senate does not reject electronic transmission of election results, but retains the provision as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act. He clarifies that the upper chamber only maintains the existing framework while removing the specific requirement for “real-time” transmission.
Speaking at a book launch on the burden of legislators in Nigeria, Akpabio explains that electronic transmission of results remains part of Nigeria’s electoral process. Mediaplusng.com reports that the Senate President says the lawmakers’ decision reflects a careful balance between innovation and practical realities facing election management in the country.
Akpabio notes that the retained provision allows results to be transmitted electronically but gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the discretion to determine how and when the transmission occurs. He says the Senate’s position is aimed at avoiding rigid rules that may create challenges in areas with poor network coverage or security concerns.
Mediaplusng.com further reports that the Senate President stresses that INEC needs operational flexibility to conduct credible elections across diverse terrains in Nigeria. According to him, mandating real-time transmission in all locations could undermine the electoral process in communities where technology infrastructure is weak or security risks are high.
The Senate President argues that the National Assembly does not intend to weaken electoral transparency. Instead, he says lawmakers seek to empower INEC to make professional decisions based on prevailing conditions during elections. Akpabio adds that technology should strengthen democracy, not become a source of disputes or voter disenfranchisement.
He also dismisses claims that the Senate is working to frustrate electoral reforms. According to him, the legislative process around the Electoral Act reflects extensive consultations and debates aimed at aligning the law with the aspirations of Nigerians. He says the Senate remains committed to reforms that deepen democratic governance and public trust.
Akpabio further emphasizes that the Senate will continue to pass laws that reflect the wishes of the people. He says lawmakers understand the public demand for transparent elections and will not support any process that takes Nigeria backward in its democratic journey.
On the controversy surrounding electronic transmission, Akpabio explains that the focus should be on credible vote counting, secure collation, and verifiable results. He says whether results are transmitted electronically or otherwise, the priority is to ensure that votes count and outcomes reflect the will of the electorate.
Responding to the Senate President’s position, former Senate President David Mark says the National Assembly should allow INEC to independently decide on the mode of result transmission. He argues that the electoral umpire is better positioned to assess operational risks and deploy appropriate technologies during elections.
David Mark, who now speaks from a political platform aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), says the commission should not be constrained by legislative prescriptions that may limit innovation. He stresses that electoral credibility depends on INEC’s independence and capacity to manage elections professionally.
Mark openly supports electronic transmission of results, describing it as a tool that can improve transparency and reduce manipulation. He says technology, when properly deployed, helps build public confidence in election outcomes and strengthens democratic institutions.
However, he adds that INEC should retain the authority to determine the timing and method of transmission, especially in areas facing security threats or technical limitations. According to him, flexibility does not weaken democracy but allows the system to adapt to real-life conditions.
The debate over electronic transmission continues to attract public attention as Nigerians prepare for future elections. Civil society groups and political stakeholders remain divided between those who support mandatory real-time transmission and those who prefer INEC-led discretion.
Analysts say the Senate’s position signals a cautious approach to electoral reform, balancing technological advancement with Nigeria’s uneven infrastructure. They note that while electronic transmission is widely accepted, implementation challenges remain a major concern.
INEC has repeatedly stated that it supports the use of technology to improve election management. The commission has also maintained that any deployment of electronic transmission must consider security, network availability, and voter safety.
As discussions continue, observers say the focus should remain on strengthening institutions, protecting votes, and ensuring peaceful elections. With legislative amendments still under consideration, stakeholders expect further engagement between the National Assembly, INEC, and the public.
The Senate leadership insists that its actions are guided by national interest and democratic principles. Akpabio reiterates that Nigeria will not reverse progress in electoral reforms, adding that lawmakers remain open to improvements that enhance credibility and public confidence in elections.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 general elections, the role of technology, legal frameworks, and institutional trust is expected to dominate national discourse, with electronic transmission remaining a central issue in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
