The Nigerian Senate has approved a revised provision in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill allowing electronic transmission of election results while retaining manual collation as a backup, a move that has continued to generate mixed reactions across the country.
The decision followed days of intense debate, public criticism and protests over how election results should be transmitted, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Under the latest amendment, results from polling units will be transmitted electronically to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV). However, where there are technical challenges such as poor network coverage, the manual method using physical result sheets will still be valid.
How the Senate Reached the Decision
The development marks a shift from the Senate’s earlier position, where lawmakers declined to make real-time electronic transmission compulsory. That earlier decision had sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties and members of the public.
In response to the backlash, the Senate revisited the controversial clause during a plenary session and adopted a compromise. Electronic transmission was approved as the primary method, but lawmakers stopped short of making it mandatory in all situations.
The revised provision allows presiding officers to upload results electronically after voting and documentation are completed. However, if the electronic system fails due to network issues or other technical problems, the manually recorded results on Form EC8A will be used for collation and declaration.
Reasons Behind Manual Backup
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other lawmakers have defended the decision, saying it is necessary to address Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.
According to them, insisting on compulsory real-time transmission could create legal and logistical problems, especially in areas with poor internet connectivity or security concerns.
Lawmakers argued that elections conducted in remote areas should not be invalidated simply because officials were unable to upload results immediately due to technical issues.
They also noted that giving INEC flexibility in choosing the method of transmission would help ensure smoother election operations and reduce the risk of disputes caused by system failures.
Background to the Controversy
The debate over electronic transmission of results is not new. It became more prominent after the 2023 general elections, where delays and inconsistencies in uploading results led to widespread criticism and legal battles.
Many Nigerians had expected the Electoral Act amendment to address these concerns by making real-time electronic transmission mandatory.
However, when the Senate initially rejected that proposal, it triggered protests and warnings from groups such as the Nigeria Labour Congress and several civil society organisations.
Critics argued that leaving room for manual collation could weaken transparency and open the door to manipulation of results.
Public Reaction
The Senate’s latest compromise has done little to fully settle the debate.
Some stakeholders have welcomed the inclusion of electronic transmission, describing it as a step forward compared to previous elections.
Others, however, remain sceptical. They argue that allowing manual backup could undermine the gains of digital technology in the electoral process.
Analysts say the decision reflects a balancing act between adopting modern technology and dealing with the realities of Nigeria’s infrastructure.
Implications for 2027 Elections
With the amendment, INEC will continue to play a central role in determining how results are transmitted during elections.
While electronic transmission is now clearly recognised in the law, it is not compulsory in every situation. This means that both electronic and manual methods may be used side by side during elections.
Observers say this could have significant implications for the credibility of future elections, depending on how the system is implemented.
Some experts believe that unless clear guidelines are established, disputes may still arise over which method should take precedence in cases of conflict.
Ongoing Legislative Process
The Electoral Act Amendment Bill is still subject to further legislative processes, including harmonisation between the Senate and the House of Representatives, which has taken a slightly different position on result transmission.
The House had earlier shown stronger support for real-time electronic transmission, raising the possibility of further negotiations before a final version of the law is passed.
