Senate Passes Electoral Act Amendment Amidst Tense Debate

On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 repeal and re-enactment bill for 2026 following a tense debate over the e-transmission clause. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South demanded a division on Clause 60, which allows for manual transmission of results, arguing that reliance on manual processes undermines electoral integrity.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio initially believed Abaribe's demand had been withdrawn, leading to a challenge from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. After a heated exchange, a formal division was called, resulting in a vote where 55 senators supported the retention of the manual transmission clause.

The Senate also noted technical inconsistencies in the bill, including errors in several clauses. The legislation is crucial as it aligns with the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) preparations for the February 2027 elections, emphasizing the need for strict adherence to electoral provisions.