Senate Session Turns Chaotic Over Electronic Results Transmission

Senate Session Disrupted Over Electronic Transmission Clause

A tense and rowdy session unfolded in the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday as lawmakers debated the adoption of the Votes and Proceedings from the 4th February sitting, during which the Electoral Bill had been passed.

The chaos erupted over the exclusion of a provision mandating real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units, a controversial component of the ongoing Electoral Act amendment.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the proposed amendment to Section 60(3), which prompted objections from several senators. The dissent followed a motion by Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno) under Order 1b 52(6), requesting that the chamber rescind its earlier decision on the contentious clause.

Some lawmakers expressed discomfort with the wording of the new proposal, intensifying the tension in the chamber. Amid the disorder, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe raised a point of order under Order 70, requesting that each senator vote individually to address the division. He later withdrew the point of order, a move that could impact the amendment’s approval.

The development highlights growing legislative disagreements over the proposed amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework, particularly the mechanisms for transmitting election results electronically—a reform widely advocated by civil society groups to enhance transparency in the 2027 general elections.

Observers noted that the rowdy session reflects both political friction within the Senate and the high stakes surrounding electoral reforms ahead of the next general election.