Amid mounting public criticism and concerns over electoral credibility, the Nigerian Senate has reversed its controversial amendment to the Electoral Act, restoring provisions that allow the electronic transmission of election results.
The turnaround occurred during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, where lawmakers deleted a clause that had effectively shut out electronic transmission from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
Under the revised framework, electronic transmission of results will now be allowed but not enforced. The Senate inserted at fallback mechanism, providing that in areas with poor or failed internet connectivity, results will be collated manually using Form EC8A.
Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, who moved the motion for reconsideration, said the reversal was aimed at aligning the law with public expectations and preserving confidence in the electoral process.
The motion was seconded by Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, before Senate President Godswill Akpabio put it to a voice vote, which was overwhelmingly endorsed by lawmakers present.
The decision marks a significant retreat from the Senate’s earlier position, which critics argued weakened transparency and could undermine election integrity.
