Nigerian House Approves Dual Transmission of Election Results

On Tuesday, the Nigerian House of Representatives made a significant decision by adopting a bill that permits both electronic and manual transmission of election results, a reversal from previous positions. This decision came during a tumultuous session where opposition lawmakers, led by Hon. Kingsley Chinda (Rep, Obio Akpor), protested and staged walkouts, arguing against the provisions in the bill, particularly concerning Section 60 which relates to electronic transmission.

Despite the opposition's concerns, the House passed the bill, which includes a clause mandating that results from polling units must be transmitted electronically via a prescribed form (EC8A) and countersigned by the presiding officer and party agents. The bill also outlines the procedures for political parties to conduct primary elections, emphasizing the need for consensus.

Hon. Akin Rotimi, the House spokesman, described the process as historic for Nigeria, while the bill also includes adjustments to Clause 28(1), allowing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to set election dates.