A storm of public anger has greeted the Nigerian Senate’s amendment of the Electoral Act, with critics warning that the retention of manual result sheets as a fallback option could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The controversy intensified on Tuesday after plenary, as many Nigerians accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the 10th National Assembly of weakening electoral safeguards ahead of the next polls.
DAILY POST reports that the Senate amended the Electoral Act to permit electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal. However, the revised provision allows manual result sheets — Form EC8A — to prevail where electronic transmission fails due to network or communication challenges.
The amendment was adopted during plenary with Akpabio presiding.
Under the new provision, presiding officers at polling units are required to electronically transmit results after voting. But where such transmission is unsuccessful, the manually completed Form EC8A becomes the primary basis for collation and declaration of results.
The development followed last week’s rejection by the upper chamber of a proposal seeking to make electronic transmission of results compulsory.
Critics argue that the latest amendment effectively waters down previous electoral reforms, raising concerns about potential manipulation through manual collation.
‘We Can’t Be Intimidated’ — Senate
Reacting to the backlash, Senate Spokesman Yemi Adaramodu insisted the red chamber would not be intimidated over the controversy.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adaramodu said lawmaking is not about pleasing public sentiment.
“We are not worried, we’re not to be intimidated, and we shouldn’t be intimidated.
“As we know, in Nigeria and anywhere else where democracy is thriving, there will be shades of opinions… and then we have to listen to all. So, that’s what happened,” he said.
‘Setting Stage for Chaos’ — Obidient Movement
The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr Yunusa Tanko, described the Senate’s position as a “chaotic resolution” that could create confusion during elections.
Tanko argued that lawmakers should either fully support electronic transmission or address infrastructural deficiencies, such as poor network coverage.
“They are setting the people up for chaos,” he said, warning that disputes could arise where parties disagree over claims of network failure.
He added that public pressure would continue until the law reflects the will of Nigerians.
‘Loopholes for Manipulation’ — Ex-PDP Auditor
A former National Auditor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ray Nnaji, accused lawmakers of deliberately creating loopholes to enable electoral manipulation.
“Most of them knew quite well they can’t come back to the National Assembly if the system is transparent,” Nnaji alleged.
He warned that if public resistance persists, it could affect the electoral timetable and preparations for future polls.
Politicians Lack Leadership — CRRAN
President of the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN), Barr. Olu Omotayo, criticised politicians for failing to show leadership on electoral reforms.
He said electronic transmission should have been strengthened immediately after the last general election, rather than close to another election cycle.
According to him, the amendment represents no significant improvement on the existing law.
“We are back to square one,” Omotayo said.
‘Electoral Banditry’ Allegation
A public affairs analyst at Peaceland University, Enugu, Nduka Odo, described the amendment as an endorsement of “electoral banditry.”
He argued that empowering INEC to alternate between electronic and manual processes could undermine electoral credibility.
“The action by the lawmakers is self-serving,” Odo said, urging Nigerians to demand a stronger legal framework.
Meanwhile, other prominent figures, including former Minister of Education Obiageli Ezekwesili, veteran actor Kenneth Okonkwo, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have also expressed concerns over the amendment.
Senate President Akpabio, however, said President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended Electoral Act into law this February.
He disclosed this during an emergency plenary where a 12-member committee was constituted to harmonise the Senate’s version of the bill with that of the House of Representatives.
“I believe that if you are able to conclude within the next few days or one week, the President should be able to sign this amended Electoral Bill into an Act of Parliament within this month of February,” Akpabio said.