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.
Filed under
#Electoral Act 2026
#Nigerian Senate
#manual backup clause
#electronic transmission of results
#Enyinnaya Abaribe
#Abdul Ningi
#Aminu Tambuwal
#election reform Nigeria
#2027 elections
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Fifteen senators have opposed the manual backup clause in the Electoral Act amendment bill, voting for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results. 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...
Key takeaways
- Fifteen senators have opposed the manual backup clause in the Electoral Act amendment bill, voting for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
- 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.
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What is this story about?
Fifteen senators have opposed the manual backup clause in the Electoral Act amendment bill, voting for compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results. 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...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer listed as author.
When was it published?
February 18, 2026
