BREAKING: Electoral Act Amendment: National Assembly Seeks to Harmonise Transmission Clause After Public Outcry

What began as a routine legislative harmonisation of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has evolved into a defining test of Nigeria’s democratic resolve.

Fresh tension erupted following the Senate’s passage of amendments that stopped short of mandating live electronic transmission of election results, triggering protests, civil society outrage and renewed scrutiny of the National Assembly.

With the 2027 general elections drawing closer, public pressure and threats of mass action have placed the legislative process under intense national focus.

At the heart of the controversy is Clause 60(3) of the amended Electoral Act Bill.

The clause provides for both manual and electronic transmission of election results but removes explicit reference to “real-time” uploads from polling units, a provision widely regarded by many Nigerians as critical to credible elections.

The House of Representatives had earlier passed a version mandating direct, real-time electronic transmission of results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing (IReV) portal.

While the House insisted on compulsory real-time uploads, the Senate initially resisted the provision, citing concerns over potential network failures during elections.

After public backlash, the Senate adopted a more flexible model, retaining electronic transmission but allowing manual collation where technology fails.
Conference Committee To Reconcile Differences

To resolve the disagreement, both chambers have constituted 12-member conference committees to harmonise their versions of the bill before its final passage and transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent.

The Joint Conference Committee is expected to reconcile the divergent clauses, in line with constitutional requirements.

From the Senate, a 12-member delegation was appointed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during an emergency plenary session held amid mounting backlash.

The Senate team is chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and includes Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Iya Abbas and Tokunbo Abiru, among others.

The House of Representatives delegation, also comprising 12 members, is chaired by Rep. Adebayo Balogun. Other members include Reps Fred Agbedi, Sada Soli, Ahmadu Jaha, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Saidu Musa Abdullahi and Dr. Zainab Gimba.

The balanced composition of both committees reflects the political sensitivity of the matter, with lawmakers seeking parity and a credible outcome capable of withstanding public scrutiny.

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