The Senate has amended the Electoral Act to permit the electronic transmission of election results, leaving safeguards to address potential technical challenges.
The resolution followed the Senate’s consideration and approval of a motion moved by the Chief Whip, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), during an emergency plenary session held in Abuja.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
Following the new amendment, the Senate approved electronic transmission (without the real time phrase) as part of the electoral process but stipulated that where internet connectivity fails, the Form EC8A will remain the primary instrument for result collation.
Senator Monguno explained that the decision to rescind the earlier rejection of electronic transmission was informed by the need for the Electoral Act to reflect the wishes and expectations of Nigerians.
At the height of the debate, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe raised a point of order under Order 70, calling for individual voting by senators due to apparent division in the chamber. He later withdrew the point of order, citing concerns that it could jeopardize the amendment to Clause 60(3).