Senate President, Godswill Akpabio
Senate has amended the Electoral Act to allow the electronic transmission of election results, while also retaining a manual backup system to address possible technical challenges during polls.
The decision followed the upper chamber’s move on Tuesday to reverse its earlier stance, which had opposed compulsory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
With the new amendment, lawmakers approved electronic transmission as part of the electoral process, removing the “real-time” requirement.
The Senate also agreed that in situations where internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A would remain the main instrument for result collation and verification.
Under the revised provision, electronic transmission will serve as the primary method for uploading election results.
However, in cases of network failure or other technical difficulties, results may be transmitted manually using Form EC8A, provided it is duly signed and stamped by the presiding officer.
The proposal generated debate among senators, especially over the continued reliance on Form EC8A in resolving election disputes.
The disagreement led to sharp divisions on the floor, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe initially calling for a recorded individual vote. He later withdrew the request, after which the Senate adopted and approved the amendment through voice votes and formal proceedings.
