Akpabio Signs Electoral Law Amendments for Future Elections

On Wednesday, Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, signed amendments to Nigeria's electoral law, which aims to guarantee that every Nigerian vote counts in future elections. This law addresses long-standing issues of electoral result manipulation at polling units and collation centers.

Akpabio emphasized that for the first time since Nigeria's independence in 1960, the electoral law formally recognizes electronic transmission of results. The amendments require the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results electronically from polling units to a central portal, responding to demands from civil society groups and opposition parties regarding the credibility of elections.

However, challenges such as weak telecommunications networks were acknowledged. The law also includes provisions for direct primaries for political parties, allowing members to vote directly for candidates.

Furthermore, it addresses the situation of disqualified candidates, ensuring that fresh elections are conducted rather than declaring a runner-up as the winner. Akpabio rejected claims of political pressure in the National Assembly, asserting that the amendments were made to meet the aspirations of Nigerians.