Senate Removes "Real-Time" from Electoral Bill for Infrastructure

The Nigerian Senate, under the leadership of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, has officially disclosed the rationale behind the removal of the term "real-time" from the Electoral Bill. This decision was made during the review of Clause 60 (3) of the bill, which originally mandated the electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) results viewing portal (IREV) in real-time.

The Senate opted to retain the electronic transmission of results while eliminating the real-time requirement, citing the country's infrastructural realities. Bamidele referenced data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), indicating that broadband coverage is projected to reach 70% by 2025, with internet penetration at 44.53% of the population.

He also noted that at least 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid electricity, representing 43% of the population. The Senate's decision aims to ensure that the electoral framework reflects Nigeria's current capabilities and addresses public concerns regarding transparency without being driven solely by public sentiment.