Senate Minority Caucus Confirms Retention of Electronic Transmission in Electoral Act Amid Public Criticism

The Senate minority caucus, led by Enyinnaya Abaribe, addressed misconceptions surrounding the retention of election results transmission in the Electoral Act amendment bill. Abaribe clarified that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission, as widely reported.

The legislative process involved joint committee deliberations with the House of Representatives, INEC, and civil society organizations, culminating in the agreement to include electronic transmission provisions. The Senate committee, chaired by Sadiq Umar, unanimously agreed on the inclusion of electronic transmission in the bill.

Despite initial confusion during the plenary session, video evidence confirmed the passage of the provision. Abaribe assured that the Senate would reconvene to adopt and vote on the bill, reflecting the electronic transmission provisions before seeking presidential assent.