Senate Backtracks on Electoral Act Amid Result Transmission Storm

Patrick.Isaac

The Nigerian Senate has reversed its recent decision on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2022, after Senate Chief Whip Senator Mohammed Monguno raised a point of order during Tuesday’s plenary.

Citing Senate Standing Rules, Monguno argued that Clause 60, Subsection Three, concerning election result transmission needs deeper review to align with public aspirations, asserting the chamber’s power to rescind resolutions for the greater good.

Monguno’s motion, seconded by Senator Abdul Ningi, won approval through voice vote under Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who reaffirmed commitment to electoral integrity.

Akpabio stressed that electronic transmission, including the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), remains pivotal to credible polls and must mirror modern realities.

This U-turn signals heightened scrutiny on tech-driven vote processes amid ongoing public and political debates.

In a related move, the Senate expanded its conference committee from nine to twelve members to match the House of Representatives’ lineup, ensuring balanced harmonization.

Akpabio noted this parity would tackle lingering grey areas effectively before the reconciled bill heads for presidential assent.

The adjustments underscore the upper chamber’s push for robust electoral reforms as Nigeria eyes future polls.