The controversy over real-time electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria has intensified, with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe insisting that the Senate’s true position will only be confirmed when the Votes and Proceedings of the days plenary are formally adopted.
The debate comes after the House of Representatives passed the provision, endorsing the real-time electronic transmission of results through INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). Nigerians and election stakeholders had expected the Senate to follow suit, but conflicting reports sparked outrage, with many believing the upper chamber had rejected the reform.
Abaribe, representing Abia South, said the confusion stems from procedural assumptions rather than a reversal of Senate policy.
“This matter remains unresolved until the official legislative record reflects what was agreed,” he told Prime Time.
According to him, Electronic transmission was reportedly approved in an executive session of the Senate, following consultations by the joint Senate–House Committee on the Electoral Act.
“The committee met 27 times between 2024 and 2025, engaging INEC, civil society organizations, and stakeholders to address gaps exposed in the 2023 elections.
“Courts held repeatedly that INEC guidelines were not law. That is why we agreed to put electronic transmission clearly into the Electoral Act,” Abaribe explained.
Confusion arose during Senate plenary when lawmakers assumed executive session decisions would carry automatically.
By Section 60, many senators believed the issue had been settled, leading to media reports that electronic transmission had been replaced with “transfer.”
“That was why people were surprised when reports emerged that electronic transmission had been replaced with ‘transfer’,” he said.
Abaribe emphasized that the Votes and Proceedings—the Senate’s official daily record—will definitively confirm the chamber’s decision. Until it is formally adopted, public certainty cannot be guaranteed.
“This process is not complete until the Votes and Proceedings are presented and adopted. That is when we will know whether what we passed is electronic transmission or something else,” he said.
He warned that if the final record weakens real-time transmission, senators who supported it will formally challenge it on the floor.
“Transmission in real time leaves no room for discretion. That is why Nigerians are insisting on it, and that is why we are insisting that the Votes and Proceedings must reflect it clearly,” he added.
Abaribe also urged Nigerians to remain engaged:
“Call your senators and members of the House. Tell them clearly what you want. The integrity of the Senate and the credibility of future elections depend on what is finally written and adopted.”
Senate President Defends Removal of “Real-Time” Clause
While Abaribe stressed clarity and public trust, Senate President Godswill Akpabio defended removing the phrase “real-time” from the Electoral Bill 2026. Speaking at the launch of The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, authored by Senator Effiong Bob, Akpabio argued that mandatory real-time transmission could disrupt elections in case of network failures or power outages.
“All we did was remove the word ‘real-time’ to allow INEC to decide the most suitable mode of transmission,” he said.
“If it is made compulsory and there is a system failure, it could create serious problems.”
He maintained that official documents like Form EC8A remain the most reliable instruments for declaring results, and warned against lawmakers being pressured by NGOs or public opinion.
“We will do what is right for Nigeria, not what one NGO dictates,” he said, stressing that consultations do not amount to law-making.
Akpabio also noted that the legislative process is not complete. Amendments can still be made before the Votes and Proceedings are adopted, and rejected provisions could be restored through a Conference Committee between the Senate and House of Representatives.
Former Senate President and ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark, cautioned lawmakers to allow the law to be passed as proposed, leaving INEC to determine the feasibility of real-time transmission.
“It is the law that must guide the process, not assumptions about what INEC can or cannot do,” he said.
The controversy underscored the stakes of electoral reform. While the House has already endorsed real-time transmission, the Senate remains the key chamber to finalize the law.
Nigerians are closely watching whether the Votes and Proceedings will codify or weaken the reform.
Abaribe argued that transparency is critical for public trust in elections:
“Every time results are delayed or manipulated, people lose faith. Clear, legally backed electronic transmission ensures that elections are transparent and credible.”
He also addressed skepticism about the Senate’s motives:
“If you came on the mandate of the people, why would you want anything murky? Let it be clear. Let Nigerians know exactly what is being passed.”
With the Votes and Proceedings pending, Nigerians now have a clear benchmark to hold their lawmakers accountable.
“This is where Nigerians must watch closely. The integrity of the Senate and the credibility of future elections depend on what is finally written and adopted,” Abaribe said.
As the country approaches the 2027 polls, the final wording of the Electoral Act will determine whether real-time transmission becomes a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic process—or remains mired in controversy.
Real-Time Transmission: Votes, Proceedings Will Judge Senate Abaribe Says
