Senators Accuse Akpabio of Removing Electronic Transmission from Electoral Bill

• Senators claim Senate President Godswill Akpabio altered proceedings to remove electronic transmission of election results.
• Senate retains 2022 manual result transfer system; electronic transmission not mandatory.
• Clause 47, allowing downloadable voter IDs with QR codes, rejected; physical PVCs remain compulsory.

A group of Nigerian senators has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of removing provisions for electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2026. The lawmakers argue that the change undermines transparency and clarity in the electoral process and could leave room for misinterpretation of the law.

During a press conference on Thursday, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Aminu Tambuwal, and Natasha Akpoti insisted that electronic transmission is crucial to prevent ambiguities in result management and safeguard election credibility.

“To put the records straight, the Senate did not pass the transfer of results, which was in the 2022 Act. What we passed, and which the Senate President himself clarified, is transmission of results, not transfer,” said Mr. Abaribe.

Senate Retains Manual Result System

Despite the senators’ objections, the Senate confirmed that the 2022 manual framework will remain in place. Under this system, election results are completed, signed, stamped, and distributed to party agents and security personnel at polling units. While the results can be transmitted electronically, the law does not mandate it.

Read also: ADC Accuses Senate of Undermining Democracy After Blocking E-Transmission Clause

The Senate also rejected Clause 47, which would have allowed electronically-generated voter IDs, including downloadable voter cards with QR codes, for accreditation. Voters must continue using physical Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), verified through the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) or other INEC-prescribed devices.

The Senators Call for Clarity and Election Integrity

The senators emphasized that the distinction between “transfer” and “transmission” is critical. They argue that a vague law could create loopholes, weaken electoral transparency, and reduce public confidence in Nigeria’s elections.

The controversy over electronic transmission adds to ongoing debates about modernizing Nigeria’s voting and result management systems while balancing security, accessibility, and trust in electoral outcomes.

As Nigeria approaches future elections, these disagreements highlight the tensions between lawmakers, electoral authorities, and the push for reforms aimed at ensuring fair, credible, and transparent elections.