Electoral Act Amendments: Senate Deletes Results Real Time Transmission
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has confirmed that the National Assembly deliberately removed the phrase “real-time” from the amended Electoral Act, a move that has generated intense public debate and criticism across the country. Akpabio, however, insisted that the amendment does not abolish electronic transmission of election results, but rather gives the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) flexibility in implementing election technology.
Speaking during a public engagement in Abuja, the Senate President explained that lawmakers chose not to mandate real-time electronic transmission because of Nigeria’s infrastructural and security challenges. According to him, insisting on real-time transmission could create legal complications if results fail to transmit instantly due to network or power issues.
“We did not remove electronic transmission. What we removed was the insistence on real-time transmission. Nigeria is a large country with many areas lacking network coverage. If you insist on real-time and it fails in some places, it can invalidate elections in those areas,” Akpabio said.
He argued that the Senate’s decision was guided by practicality and the need to avoid election disputes that could arise from technical failures. Akpabio noted that several rural and remote communities still experience poor internet connectivity, unstable electricity supply, and security challenges, which could disrupt real-time result uploads.
The Senate President also stressed that the responsibility for deciding how to transmit election results lies with INEC, not the National Assembly. He said the legislature only provides the legal framework, while the electoral commission determines the operational details based on available technology and circumstances.
“INEC knows the terrain better. They should decide the best method to transmit results. Our duty is to provide the law that allows them to use technology without putting the country in legal trouble,” he added.
However, the amendment has attracted widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organisations, and election observers who fear it could weaken transparency in future elections. Critics argue that real-time electronic transmission of results is a key safeguard against election manipulation and result tampering.
Some opposition politicians accused the ruling party of deliberately weakening electoral safeguards ahead of the 2027 general elections. They warned that removing the real-time requirement could open loopholes for delays, interference, and manipulation of results during collation.
Civil society groups have also raised concerns that the amendment could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. Several election advocacy organisations called on lawmakers to reconsider the decision and ensure stronger legal backing for electronic result transmission.
Despite the backlash, Akpabio maintained that the Senate acted in the best interest of the country. He reiterated that the intention was not to weaken democracy but to create a flexible legal framework that accounts for Nigeria’s realities.
“We must make laws that reflect the realities on the ground. Technology is important, but we must also be realistic about our infrastructure and security challenges,” he said.
Political analysts say the debate over real-time transmission reflects broader concerns about Nigeria’s electoral reforms and the need to balance technology with infrastructural development. Some experts believe that while real-time transmission improves transparency, Nigeria must first address network coverage gaps and strengthen digital infrastructure nationwide.
As the 2027 elections approach, the controversy over the Electoral Act amendment is expected to remain a major political issue. Stakeholders are urging the National Assembly, INEC, and the federal government to work together to strengthen election integrity, expand digital infrastructure, and reassure Nigerians of credible and transparent elections.
