Electoral Act Amendment: Senate Backs Electronic Transmission with Manual Backup Amid Protests
The Nigerian Senate has approved the electronic transmission of election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) while retaining manual collation as a backup where technology fails.
The decision followed widespread public protests, opposition pressure, and criticism from civil society groups over an earlier clause that weakened electronic transmission.
Under the amended provision, presiding officers are required to transmit results electronically after completing Form EC8A. However, where network or technical challenges prevent transmission, the signed manual result sheet will serve as the basis for collation and declaration.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the amendment accommodates areas with poor connectivity, describing it as a balanced approach.
Despite the reversal, opposition parties, activists, and civil society organisations expressed concern that allowing manual transmission could undermine transparency and reopen opportunities for electoral manipulation.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Omoyele Sowore joined protesters in demanding mandatory real-time electronic transmission.
The Senate has now set up a 12-member conference committee to harmonise its version of the bill with that of the House of Representatives, ahead of transmission to
President Bola Tinubu for assent.
Analysts say the final outcome of the amendment may significantly affect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
