Nigerian Senate Holds Emergency Plenary on Electoral Act Amid Protests

The Nigerian Senate held an emergency plenary session following public backlash over amendments to the Electoral Act, focusing on electronic transmission of election results. The session, prompted by rising tensions and protests, saw civil society groups, opposition parties, labor unions, professional associations, youth groups, and regional leaders expressing concerns that the changes could compromise transparency in future elections.

Despite demonstrations outside the National Assembly complex, the Senate proceeded with the session. Senate President Godswil Akpabio formally announced the emergency session, directed by Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo, to reconvene on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

Lawmakers were expected to deliberate extensively on the controversial amendments amid ongoing protests.