E-transmission row: Senate fixes emergency sitting as scrutiny over Electoral Act amendment intensifies

The Senate has fixed Tuesday, February 10, for an emergency plenary sitting as controversy continues to trail its decision not to mandate real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

A notice issued on Sunday by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, said the emergency session was convened on the directive of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and will hold by 12 noon in the Senate chamber.

“I am directed by His Excellency, the President of the Senate, Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, to inform all Distinguished Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that an Emergency Sitting of the Senate has been scheduled,” the notice stated, urging all senators to attend.

The emergency plenary comes against the backdrop of growing calls from civil society groups, labour unions, and political stakeholders urging the National Assembly to revisit Clause 60(3) of the amendment bill, which addresses how election results are transmitted.

During last week’s consideration of the bill, the red chamber retained the existing provision in the Electoral Act 2022 allowing electronic transfer of results “in a manner as prescribed by the commission,” rather than adopting proposals that sought to make real-time transmission from polling units mandatory.

The Senate also rejected an amendment proposing a 10-year ban for individuals caught buying votes, choosing instead to retain the current penalties of fines or imprisonment.

While several senators have maintained that the amendment bill received overwhelming support in the chamber, critics argue that the refusal to mandate real-time electronic transmission leaves room for manipulation between polling units and collation centres.

The scheduled emergency sitting is expected to further address the issues raised and may determine whether the Senate reconsiders its position amid sustained public scrutiny.