Senate Retains Manual Backup for Election Result Transmission

The Nigerian Senate has voted to retain the manual backup method for the transmission of election results, as part of the Electoral Act. This decision came after a dramatic plenary session where 55 senators voted in favor of maintaining the manual backup clause, while 15 lawmakers opposed it.

The resolution follows concerns raised during discussions about Clause 60 of the Electoral Act, which pertains to the transmission and collation of election results. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South led the opposition against the retention of the manual backup, sparking heated debates within the chamber.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, reminded colleagues of Abaribe's previous failed attempts to withdraw similar demands, which had drawn public criticism and internal discontent. The Senate's decision to recommit the bill to the committee reflects ongoing tensions regarding the electoral process in Nigeria.