Despite the noise online, the Senate says electronic transmission is here to stay — and it just passed the amended Electoral Act to prove it.
The Senate on Wednesday passed the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, clearing a major hurdle ahead of future elections and firmly retaining electronic transmission of results. The bill was approved after a clause-by-clause review by lawmakers sitting as the Committee of the Whole.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio dismissed claims that the upper chamber had dumped e-transmission, describing the reports as misleading. According to him, Clause 60, which provides for electronic transmission of results, was retained exactly as it existed in previous law.
“Electronic transmission has always been in our hearts,” Akpabio said, stressing that the Senate had no intention of moving backward in an era driven by technology. He added that the chamber only rejected proposed changes to the clause — not the concept itself.
Beyond e-transmission, the amended bill introduces tougher penalties for vote trading, with offenders now facing up to ₦5 million fine or two years in prison. The notice period for elections was also cut from 360 days to 180 days, while political parties must submit candidates’ details 90 days before elections.
Lawmakers also strengthened the accreditation process by formally adopting BVAS for voter accreditation, with the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the means of identification.
Akpabio announced a Conference Committee, led by Senator Niyi Adegbonmire, to harmonise the bill and fast-track its transmission to President Bola Tinubu for assent, saying the goal is to begin implementation within the month.
The Senate later adjourned plenary until February 24 to allow for budget defence sessions.
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