Senate President Godswill Akpabio has clarified that the Senate did not reject the electronic transmission of election results but chose to retain the existing provision from the 2022 Electoral Act, removing only the term “real-time.”
Speaking at a book launch in Abuja on Saturday, Akpabio explained that the adjustment was made to avoid potential legal complications in cases of network failure. “All we said during discussion was that we should remove the word ‘real-time’… When you go to court, somebody will say it ought to have been real-time. That was all we said,” he stated.
He emphasized that the decision grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the flexibility to determine the appropriate mode of transmission, considering technological and security challenges.
The clarification comes amid public criticism following the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill last week, which did not include a mandatory clause for real-time electronic transmission.
In reaction, former Senate President David Mark suggested that the National Assembly should allow INEC to decide on the transmission method, a position supported by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
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Disclaimer: This report is based on a public clarification by Senate President Godswill Akpabio as covered by Channels Television. The legislative process is subject to further development.
