The Senate Minority Caucus has clarified that the Nigerian Senate did not reject the electronic transmission of election results before passing the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.
The clarification followed widespread reports claiming that lawmakers voted against e-transmission and proposed penalties for electoral offences.
Speaking to journalists on Thursday, former Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, described the reports as misleading and based on a misunderstanding of plenary proceedings.
“The Senate did not — I repeat, did not — reject electronic transmission of results as provided for in the 2022 Electoral Act,” Abaribe said.
Akpabio Also Dismisses Reports
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio had dismissed claims that the Senate rejected e-transmission, insisting that the provision remained intact to avoid legal and operational confusion.
Abaribe said the minority caucus was compelled to clarify the issue in the interest of transparency and public trust.
“When our actions are misunderstood, it becomes necessary to explain exactly what happened,” he stated.
Joint Committees Backed E-Transmission
According to Abaribe, the decision followed extensive consultations involving the Senate, House of Representatives, INEC, and civil society groups.
He said joint committees held multiple retreats and public hearings, where stakeholders unanimously agreed that electronic transmission was essential.
“Everyone agreed that electronic transmission of results was the way to go,” he noted.
Closed Session Resolved Disputes
Abaribe explained that after committee reports were submitted, an Ad hoc Committee chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar was set up to address outstanding issues.
Its findings were deliberated upon during a closed-door executive session to resolve differences before final passage.
“The closed session was to tidy up all outstanding issues,” he said.
Noise in Chamber Caused Confusion
He attributed public confusion to movement and noise in the chamber during plenary.
“Because of movement and noise, it appeared to some that something went wrong,” Abaribe explained.
He added that video records confirm that the Senate approved electronic transmission of results in real time.
Harmonisation Yet to Begin
Abaribe disclosed that harmonisation with the House of Representatives has not started because the Senate has not yet adopted its Votes and Proceedings.
He stressed that this step is required before reconciliation of both versions can occur.
“Harmonisation cannot begin without that step,” he said.
‘Not a Party Matter’
The senator emphasised that support for electronic transmission cuts across party lines.
“This is not a party matter. Transparent, free, and fair elections are the foundation of democracy,” he stated.
He assured Nigerians that the final Electoral Act document would reflect the legislature’s commitment to credible elections.
