Nigerian Senate Calls Emergency Session Amid Electoral Act Amendment Rejection

The Nigerian Senate is set to hold an emergency plenary session on February 10, 2026, as directed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, urging senators to be present by 12:00 pm.

The reason for the emergency session was not disclosed, but it comes shortly after the Senate rejected proposed amendments to the Electoral Act. The rejected amendments aimed to introduce real-time electronic transmission of election results as a mandatory measure to enhance transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

This decision has faced widespread criticism from civil society organizations, activists, and prominent figures, including former minister Obi Ezekwesili and the Afenifere group, who expressed concerns that the rejection could undermine efforts to strengthen the electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.