Senate didn’t reject e-transmission of results, Abaribe clarifies

Nigeria's Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe

Senate Didn’t Reject E-Transmission of Results, Abaribe Clarifies

In the wake of widespread media reports suggesting that the Nigerian Senate had rejected the electronic transmission of election results, the Minority Caucus has moved swiftly to set the record straight.

On February 5, 2026, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate Minority Leader, clarified that the Senate did not, in fact, reject the provision for electronic transmission of results during deliberations on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill. His statement came after confusion and criticism followed Wednesday’s plenary session, where reports circulated that lawmakers had voted against the measure.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier dismissed the claims as misleading, emphasizing that electronic transmission remains embedded in the 2022 Electoral Act. He explained that the distinction was necessary to avoid legal ambiguities and to ensure operational clarity.

Abaribe reinforced this position, stressing that the Senate passed the electronic transmission of results and that any contrary impression was a misunderstanding of the proceedings. He noted that senators are bound by public trust and must clarify issues when their actions appear misrepresented.

The legislative process leading to this decision was extensive. Abaribe recounted that the joint committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on electoral matters held several retreats, with participation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organizations. 

These consultations unanimously endorsed electronic transmission as the way forward, and this consensus was reflected in committee reports presented to both chambers.

Further review was conducted by an Ad hoc Committee chaired by Senator Sadiq Umar, which presented its findings during a closed-door session. This session was convened to resolve outstanding issues before the bill was passed at plenary.

According to Abaribe, senators unanimously agreed on electronic transmission as contained in Section 65 of the bill. He explained that noise and movement in the chamber may have contributed to the misinterpretation of events, but video records confirm that the Senate President affirmed the passage of electronic transmission.

Abaribe also highlighted that a harmonisation committee would reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, particularly regarding timelines. 

However, he stressed that harmonisation cannot begin until the Senate formally adopts its votes and proceedings, a procedural requirement not yet completed. He assured that once adopted, the provision for electronic transmission will be accurately reflected in the final document.

The senator underscored that this issue transcends party lines, as transparent, free, and fair elections form the bedrock of democracy. He insisted that electronic transmission of results in real time is a non-negotiable provision, agreed upon by senators across political divides. Responding to questions about why an Ad hoc Committee was necessary despite the work of the standing committee,

Abaribe explained that the Senate reserves the right to regulate its internal processes and that committee members were present to clarify issues during deliberations.

The Minority Caucus reiterated that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission of results. Instead, it passed the provision in line with the 2022 Electoral Act, and the final harmonised document will reflect this commitment.

Abaribe’s clarification seeks to restore public confidence and dispel misinformation, affirming that the Senate remains committed to ensuring transparency and credibility in Nigeria’s electoral process.