₦airaland Forum

Following the backlash that trailed the recent amendment to the Electoral Act, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has summoned an emergency session for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, in a move to fast-track legislative action on the controversial Electoral Act Amendments Bill.

This was as prominent Nigerians including former Senate President, David Mark; Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof Pat Utomi, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr Usman Bugaje, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Comrade Shehu Sanni, Comrade Ene Obi, and Olawale Okunniyi among others, have kicked against senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results.

At the same time, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Senate to ensure that amended the Electoral Act provided unambiguous mandate for the Independent National Electoral Commission to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time.

A statement yesterday by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, directed all senators to reconvene for the extraordinary sitting scheduled to commence at noon.

While the official notice did not state the reason for the sudden recall, investigations by THISDAY revealed that the emergency plenary is aimed at approving the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate’s last sitting. It is an essential procedural step to allow the conference committee on the Electoral Act amendments to commence work.

A ranking senator, who is also a principal officer, confirmed the development, noting that lawmakers had already received a circular from the presiding officer. The senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “We have been formally asked to reconvene on Tuesday to approve the Votes and Proceedings of our last legislative sitting.

“This is necessary to clear the way for the conference committee to begin work on the Electoral Act Amendments Bill.” The senator further hinted that the emergency session might begin behind closed doors, given the rising political tension surrounding provisions on the electronic transmission of election results.

“It is most likely that there will be an executive session before the main business of the day. The issue of electronic transmission of results has already generated serious tension within and outside the National Assembly,” he added.

The sudden recall came amid intense public scrutiny and mounting criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and election observers, who had accused the National Assembly of attempting to dilute key reforms ahead of the 2027 general election.

The Senate and the House of Representatives are currently on a two-week recess, during which lawmakers are expected to engage ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of the 2026 budget

However, the decision to interrupt the recess underscores the urgency the Senate leadership attaches to resolving outstanding legislative issues on the Electoral Act, which is the legislation that will shape the conduct, credibility and integrity of future elections in Nigeria.

Political watchers say Tuesday’s emergency sitting could prove pivotal, as it might determine the final direction of electoral reforms and set the tone for the next phase of engagement between the National Assembly, the executive and the Nigerian electorate especially the issue of electronic transmission of election results.

Mark, Bugaje, Utomi, Falana, Wabba, Ezekwesili, Magori and Sanni, Others Kick
Prominent Nigerians, yesterday, kicked against senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general poll.

A former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has insisted that the ADC position was clear and non-negotiable on the matter. The exchange occurred at the public presentation of “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria” held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, where Mark chaired the occasion

During his address, Akpabio urged the ADC and other critics of the amendment process not to be in a hurry, stressing that the Senate had yet to conclude work on the Electoral Act amendment.

He argued that calls for real-time electronic transmission of election results failed to take into account Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, citing lack of electricity and internet access in many rural communities. According to him, allowing such a provision in the law could negatively affect electoral outcomes.

Responding, Mark said the Senate President could not speak on behalf of the ADC, adding that the party’s demand—and that of many Nigerians—was straightforward.

Mark said there was no need for lengthy explanations or justifications, stressing that all the ADC was asking for was for the National Assembly to pass the amendment with provisions for real-time transmission of results, and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine its feasibility. .........................

Akpabio argued that calls for real-time electronic transmission of election results failed to take into account Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, citing lack of electricity and internet access in many rural communities.

Buhari and APC henchmen obviously love ballot snatching that favors them. After all, APC ballot snatchers in Lagos had a field day without the slightest consequences in the 2019 election. They only want to murder ballot snatchers that aren't APC thugs.

It is obvious that the 2023 election is already rigged more than a year before it will take place. But if they are allowed to get away with it again, forget about democracy ever taking roots. Nigeria would officially be a rigocracy.

Racoon:
So all the lies of the APC of providing enough electricity by Adelabu the minister of power is reaffirmed as false as they are? Which state in Nigeria does not have internet connectivity?

Racoon:
So all the lies of the APC of providing enough electricity by Adelabu the minister of power is reaffirmed as false as they are? Which state in Nigeria does not have internet connectivity?

EpicDude123:
Werey senators. They are afraid most of them will be booted out before 12pm on election day including their Principal Tinubu

Thundafireseun:
The earlier ADC realized that this is not Jonathan that they can bully into singing reforms that would eventually shut them in the leg … The better for everyone

Thundafireseun:
The earlier ADC realized that this is not Jonathan that they can bully into singing reforms that would eventually shut them in the leg … The better for everyone

tuoyoojo:
The Senate president has no hiding place

The Senate had better "complete" the work and do what Nigerians what. They were elected to represent the wishes of Nigerians

The BVAS worked for Senate and House of rep during the last elections but suddenly stopped worked for presidential.....they said it was a glitch....na so glitch carry inec go manual coalition centre with few people using biro and tipex to "rearrange results"

We had the Telecom infrastructure to transmit results for Senate and House of reps, if they claim there are some interior places with no network, then use starlink as a back up server.

When he said they is national grid collapse, what is inec doing with all the billions allocated for elections. They can get solar powered power banks attached to BVAS machine. Problem solved

The same network that bandits do not have ,is same one they used to call kidnap victims and snap the ransom monies they collected from hapless Nigeria

If Akpabio has done so well, why are they afraid of the verdict of Nigerians...... don't they want to know how Nigerians feel

Antichristian2:
No matter how much electricity we have will that mean there will be consistent network in all 774 LG?

I don't know why you guys no dey think!

The insecurity especially in the North will affect the practicality of electronic transmission! Even if it is inserted successfully. It won't work in those States or LG with inadequate network.