1S
Fifteen senators have voted against the retention of the manual backup clause in the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, insisting on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The lawmakers opposed Clause 60(3) of the bill, which provides that manually signed Form EC8A may serve as a backup where electronic transmission fails. They argued that allowing manual transmission could weaken transparency and undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Leading the opposition was Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South, ADC), who maintained that electronic transmission of results should be compulsory without exceptions.
Other senators who voted against the manual backup provision include:
- Abdul Ningi — Bauchi Central (PDP)
- Aminu Tambuwal — Sokoto South (PDP)
- Ireti Kingibe — Federal Capital Territory (ADC)
- Seriake Dickson — Bayelsa West (PDP)
- Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan — Kogi Central (PDP)
- Onawo Ogwoshi — Nasarawa South (ADC)
- Tony Nwoye — Anambra North (LP)
- Victor Umeh — Anambra Central (APGA)
- Ibrahim Dankwambo — Gombe Central (PDP)
- Austin Akobundu — Abia Central (PDP)
- Khalid Mustapha — Kaduna North (PDP)
- Sikayo Yaro — Gombe South (PDP)
- Emmanuel Nwachukwu — Anambra South (APGA)
- Peter Jiya — Niger South (PDP)
During the division vote, 55 senators supported retaining the manual backup clause, while 15 voted against it.
Supporters of the provision argued that the manual option is necessary to address potential technical failures, including poor network coverage in rural areas. However, opponents insisted that compulsory real-time electronic transmission would enhance credibility and reduce disputes arising from election results.
The development forms part of ongoing legislative efforts to amend Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tags
How do you feel about this article?
Share this story
OA
Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer
Admin
Dedicated to bringing you the latest news and stories from Glow Media.
Comments (0)
Be the first to comment on this article!
