The Digest:
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has publicly defended the Senate's decision to delete the provision for "real-time" electronic transmission of election results from the 2026 Electoral Bill. Speaking in Abuja, Akpabio stated the removal was deliberate, arguing that mandatory real-time transmission could endanger democracy if technical failures like network or power outages occurred. He insisted that physical forms (EC8A) should remain the primary basis for result declaration and criticized NGOs and civil society groups for pressuring lawmakers, stating the Senate would not be "intimidated" into passing a "faulty" law. However, he noted the bill is not yet finalized, leaving a window for amendments before the final votes and proceedings are approved. In response, former Senate President David Mark cautioned Akpabio against speaking for INEC, urging the legislature to pass the law and let the electoral commission determine its implementation.
Key Points:
- The admission confirms a legislative rollback on a key transparency measure demanded by the public and civil society.
- The justification cites Nigeria's infrastructural deficits as a barrier to technological adoption in the electoral process.
- The stance sets the Senate on a collision course with pro-transparency advocates and opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
- It raises concerns about the potential for increased manual interference and delays in result collation.
- The open discord with a former Senate president highlights significant internal disagreement over the bill's provisions.
Sources: The Cable, Tribune
