Nigeria Senate Approves Electronic Transmission Amid Outcry

Nigerian Politician Demands Full Electronic Transmission of Election Results as Senate Revises Bill

Nigerian politician and actor Kenneth Okonkwo of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the complete removal of provisions allowing manual transmission of election results from the proposed Electoral Act amendments. He argues that results must be transmitted electronically and directly from polling units to prevent manipulation.

Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, Okonkwo stated that if a law mandates transmission from polling units, election officers would have no reason to leave the premises with results. He further asserted that elections should be cancelled outright if electronic transmission fails, emphasizing that the entire electoral process is meaningless without credible outcomes.

“If you do all these things to get a fraudulent result, what have you gained?” Okonkwo said. “You have actually emboldened the criminals. The only problem we have in this country is fraudulent elections.” He linked free and fair elections to national development, suggesting Nigeria could become a “superpower” if electoral integrity is achieved.

Okonkwo’s comments come amid a contentious legislative process. Last week, the Nigerian Senate passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill but rejected a clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Instead, it retained a provision giving INEC discretion over transmission methods.

This decision prompted public backlash, including protests at the National Assembly, with opposition figures warning it could undermine electoral credibility. In response, the Senate reviewed its stance on Tuesday, approving electronic transmission while removing the “real-time” specification. It also designated Form EC8A—the traditional results form—as the primary document for collation in areas with poor internet connectivity.

An emergency plenary session established a committee to harmonize the Senate’s version of the bill with that of the House of Representatives, aiming to resolve discrepancies amid ongoing public concern.

The debate centers on Clause 60(3) of the bill and reflects broader tensions over how to modernize Nigeria’s electoral system while ensuring reliability across diverse geographic and infrastructural landscapes. Okonkwo’s position underscores a push for unambiguous technical safeguards, while the Senate’s revised approach seeks to balance technological adoption with practical contingencies.

The reconciliation of both chambers’ versions is the next critical step before the bill can be presented to the president for assent. The outcome will significantly shape the statutory framework for INEC ahead of future elections, directly impacting procedures for result collation and transmission nationwide.