Senate Didn’t Reject Eletronic Transmission Of Results – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed claims that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results during deliberations on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

Speaking shortly after the bill was passed following a lengthy four-and-a-half-hour session, Akpabio addressed widespread online reports suggesting that lawmakers voted against mandatory electronic transmission of results.

The controversy arose during consideration of the amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, which sparked speculation that the Senate had removed provisions requiring INEC presiding officers to transmit results electronically from polling units to the IREV portal in real time.

Contrary to those reports, Akpabio explained that the Senate merely retained the existing provisions of the Electoral Act, which already allow for electronic transmission in a manner prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

He stressed that the Senate did not vote to eliminate electronic transmission, noting that the provision was applied during the 2022 elections and remains part of the law.

Akpabio cautioned against misinformation, stating that the Senate’s records and final votes are available for verification. He reaffirmed that under his leadership, the Senate has not taken any step backward on electoral reforms.

“We have retained what was in the previous law by way of amendment. The allowance for electronic transmission remains, and we cannot afford to go backwards,” he said.