Akpabio Faults Critics of Electoral Act Amendment
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the National Assembly’s ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, saying critics are misjudging lawmakers based on an incomplete legislative process.
Akpabio stressed that the Senate has not removed electronic transmission of election results, contrary to reports circulating in the public space.
‘Amendment Process Still Ongoing’
Speaking in Abuja during the unveiling of a book titled The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria by Senator Effiong Bob, Akpabio explained that lawmakers only raised concerns about real-time transmission, not electronic transmission itself.
He noted that debates around the bill remain premature, as the Senate has not concluded work on the amendment.
“The Electoral Act amendment is incomplete. We have not completed it, but they are already on television. They don’t understand lawmaking,” he said.
NBA, Opposition Raise Concerns
The clarification follows criticisms from opposition parties and civil society groups over reports that the Senate rejected mandatory real-time electronic transmission.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had urged lawmakers to include compulsory electronic transmission in the amended Act, warning that the current wording weakens transparency.
In a statement on X, the NBA said retaining flexible transmission methods could encourage manipulation and ambiguity.
Akpabio Slams ‘Mouth Legislators’
Responding to the backlash, Akpabio criticised some commentators and civil society actors, accusing them of attempting to impose their views on lawmakers.
“People have become mouth legislators. Go and contest election if you want to talk about lawmaking,” he said.
He added that retreats and consultations do not determine final legislative decisions.
No Restriction on Transmission Methods
Akpabio reiterated that the Senate has not restricted how election results can be transmitted.
“If you want to use a bicycle, phone, or iPad to transmit results, do so,” he stated.
According to him, the law still allows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine suitable transmission methods.
Calls for Patience Continue
The Senate President urged the public to allow lawmakers complete their work before drawing conclusions.
He maintained that the final version of the Electoral Act amendment would reflect proper consultations and legislative procedures.
