Senate President Akpabio Clears the Air on Electronic Result Transmission in Electoral Act Reform

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has stepped forward to address the whirlwind of social media reports claiming the Nigerian Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results, labeling such claims as entirely false. Speaking following the passage of the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026, Akpabio clarified that the legislature has not only protected the use of technology but has ensured that the law remains consistent with the modern era.

He emphasized that there was no deliberate attempt on the part of the Senate to delay the amendment process, noting instead that lawmakers took their time painstakingly to ensure the final document reflects the "yearnings and aspirations of all Nigerians" while answering all critical questions connected to the next general election.

​Addressing the confusion head-on, the Senate President stated that the social media space is "awash" with misinformation, asserting that electronic transmission has always been part of the Act and was simply retained as it was used in 2022. He explained that by choosing to retain the existing provision rather than adopting newly proposed amendments, the Senate ensured that the legal allowance for electronic transmission remains fully intact. To set the record straight, Akpabio emphatically told the gallery: "The social media already is awash with the fact that the Senate has rejected electronic transmission. That is not true. That is not true. Electronic transmission had always been in our Act and what we did was to retain the electronic transmission which had been in our Act, and which was used in 2022. So please, please do not allow people to confuse you."

Soruce: ALT News 

​The Senate President further urged the public not to be misled by the "crowd," adding that in this era of electronics, there is no way the legislature would take the country backwards. He underscored his personal commitment to a transparent process, reminding citizens that as a participant in the next election himself, it is in his own interest for such technology to be utilized. He challenged anyone in doubt to verify the official records, stating: "If you are in doubt, we will make our final votes and proceedings available to you if you apply, and you are entitled so that you will see. This Senate under my watch has not rejected electronic transmission of results. It's in my interest as a participant in the next election for such to be done." Consequently, he maintained that the focus should remain on moving forward with these technological advancements to strengthen Nigeria's democratic framework, concluding that there is no way the nation should be moving backward in the current digital age.