According to multiple reports from Nigeria, the Senate has made a significant reversal on a key aspect of the ongoing Electoral Act amendment, responding to widespread public concerns and scrutiny over the transparency of future elections, particularly ahead of the 2027 general polls.
In an emergency plenary session held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the upper chamber rescinded its previous stance from just days earlier, where it had effectively sidelined mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV). This initial position had sparked backlash, as many Nigerians viewed it as a step backward from gains in electoral integrity achieved in the 2022 Electoral Act.
The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), moved the motion to revisit and amend Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill 2026. He argued that the change was necessary to align the law more closely with the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians for credible, transparent elections. Senator Monguno emphasized that the amendment aimed to balance technological advancement with practical realities, such as potential network challenges in certain areas.
The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, and after a voice vote presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, it passed with majority support.
Under the re-amended provision, presiding officers at polling units are now permitted, and in many interpretations encouraged, to electronically transmit results to the IReV portal after completing and signing Form EC8A, with countersignatures from available party agents. This allows for real-time public viewing of results, enhancing accountability and reducing opportunities for manipulation during collation.
However, the amendment includes an important safeguard: in cases of communication or internet failure, the manually documented Form EC8A—signed by the presiding officer and agents—will serve as the primary source for result collation and declaration. This fallback mechanism ensures the process is not stalled by technical issues, though critics argue it could still leave room for disputes if electronic transmission is inconsistently applied.
The Senate’s quick pivot highlights the intense pressure from civil society, opposition parties, and public commentary following the earlier version of the bill. Reports indicate the session was at times rowdy, reflecting the high stakes involved in electoral reforms. The amended bill is expected to proceed to harmonization with the House of Representatives and potential assent by President Bola Tinubu within the month, setting the stage for how results will be handled in upcoming elections.
