Natasha Reverses Position, Backs Real-Time Transmission of Election Results

• Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has backed the retention of real-time electronic transmission of election results.
• Her position comes ahead of a decisive Senate sitting on amendments to the Electoral Act.
• The Senate is under pressure to reverse its earlier removal of the phrase “real-time.”
• Civil society groups and protesters warn that the move could weaken electoral transparency.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has thrown her weight behind calls for the retention of real-time electronic transmission of election results, saying Nigerians deserve elections that inspire trust and reflect the true will of the people.

She made her position known in a Facebook post on Tuesday, just hours before the Senate was expected to revisit controversial provisions in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026. Her stance marks a reversal from earlier positions within the upper chamber, which had voted to remove the word “real-time” from clauses governing electronic transmission of results.

“As I step into the Senate chamber today, I carry with me the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for stronger democratic safeguards enshrined in our laws,” she wrote. “Real-time electronic transmission of election results is a critical step toward deepening transparency, preserving the sanctity of the people’s mandate, and restoring public confidence in our electoral process.”

Pressure mounts on Senate over amendment

The Senate’s earlier decision to delete the phrase “real-time” from the amended Electoral Act has triggered nationwide backlash, with civil society organisations, opposition figures, professional bodies, and youth groups warning that the move could weaken electoral safeguards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Read also: Amaechi Urges Real-Time Electoral Transmission to Prevent Deaths

Critics argue that without explicit real-time transmission, the law creates room for post-election interference and result manipulation, even if electronic transmission remains technically allowed. While the Senate has issued clarifications insisting it did not outlaw electronic transmission, public trust has remained shaky.

Akpoti-Uduaghan said Nigeria’s democracy must continue to evolve with systems that ensure every vote counts and every voice is faithfully represented, adding that elections should strengthen unity and inspire confidence in the political process.

Protests follow Senate decision

Her intervention followed mass protests at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where demonstrators condemned the Senate’s earlier action. The protest, tagged Occupy the National Assembly, was organised by pro-democracy activists who accused lawmakers of deliberately rolling back electoral reforms.

Last week, the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, through third reading, but the deletion of “real-time” from electronic transmission provisions emerged as a major flashpoint.

With mounting public pressure and renewed debate, the Senate is now expected to deliberate further on the matter, as lawmakers face growing demands to restore the clause and strengthen electoral transparency ahead of future elections.