Akpabio Clarifies Senate’s Stand on Electronic Transmission of Election Results

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has moved to clear growing public confusion over the National Assembly’s position on the electronic transmission of election results, stressing that the Senate remains committed to credible, transparent, and technology-driven polls. Speaking amid intense national debate, Akpabio explained that lawmakers were not opposed to innovation but were focused on ensuring that any digital process adopted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is secure, legally sound, and accessible across all parts of Nigeria. His remarks follow concerns from civil society groups that the legislature might be considering steps capable of weakening recent electoral reforms.

Senate Not Against Technology, Says Akpabio

The Senate President noted that contrary to widespread speculation, the upper chamber has never taken a decision to abolish electronic transmission of results. According to him, discussions within the Senate have centred on how to strengthen existing laws to guarantee that electronic processes are not vulnerable to manipulation. He maintained that the legislature’s duty is to protect the integrity of elections rather than dictate operational details to INEC.

Akpabio further explained that lawmakers were mindful of challenges such as poor network coverage in rural communities and the need for adequate infrastructure before fully relying on digital transmission nationwide. He assured Nigerians that the Senate would continue to engage electoral stakeholders, including INEC, political parties, and technology experts, to ensure that reforms reflect the realities on the ground.

Reassuring Nigerians on Electoral Credibility

Addressing fears that recent comments from some senators suggested a policy reversal, Akpabio said those views were personal opinions and not the official position of the Senate. He emphasised that the 2022 Electoral Act, which recognises electronic transmission, remains in force and enjoys the support of the National Assembly. The Senate President urged citizens to disregard misinformation capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.
He also called on INEC to intensify voter education and improve its technological capacity ahead of future elections.

According to him, transparency in result management is essential to reducing post-election disputes and strengthening democracy. “What Nigerians desire is an election whose outcome reflects their will, and the Senate shares that aspiration,” he stated.

Path Toward Stronger Collaboration with INEC

Akpabio disclosed that the Senate plans further consultations with INEC on lessons learnt from the 2023 general elections. These engagements, he said, would guide possible amendments aimed at closing gaps observed in the deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and result viewing portals. He stressed that any legislative intervention would prioritise national interest over partisan advantage.

The Senate President concluded by urging political actors to avoid politicising electoral reforms, noting that credible elections are fundamental to stability and economic growth. He reaffirmed the commitment of the 10th Senate to laws that deepen democratic culture and protect the votes of Nigerians regardless of region or party affiliation.