Senate Approve Electronic & Manual Election Results Transmission – Na Double Wahala Insurance for 2026 Polls

For Abuja on Tuesday plenary, Senate finally gree make election results dey transmit electronically go INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). But make nobody shout “technology don win finish” yet o — dem still keep manual method as backup plan, just in case network begin do “no service” for village.

Dis decision come after dem reopen discussion on one controversial part of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. Lawmakers say dem need adjust am well-well so that election no go turn wrestling match because of small grammar for law book.

Senator Tahir Monguno from Borno North carry the motion come. According to am, clause 60(3) need correction so future elections no go scatter because of misunderstanding or operational gbege. In short, Senate say make dem balance transparency with reality of Nigerian network wahala.

Senate Approval: IReV Go See Result, But Real-Time Upload No Sure

Under the new approval, presiding officers for polling units fit transmit results electronically after dem properly complete, sign and stamp Form EC8A. That one mean say results fit show online for public viewing.

But make we clear am — Senate no make electronic transmission compulsory. E no be must. Plus, dem no talk anything about real-time uploads. So e be like say technology dey inside the plan, but e still dey sit for passenger seat.

Translation? If network strong, electronic go work. If network begin hide like ghost, dem no go cancel election because of MTN or Glo. Nigeria don wise.

Manual Collation Still Get Power If Network Fail

Now the interesting part: if electronic transmission jam network problem or communication wahala, the manually completed EC8A form go become the main oga for result collation and final declaration.

In simple pidgin — if internet misbehave, paper go take over. No long story. Senate minority leader Abba Moro support the motion, saying electoral laws must consider transparency goals but also remember say some areas still dey struggle with infrastructure.

So the Senate position be say: make technology help democracy, but make we no depend on am like generator without fuel. Na double assurance system — electronic for transparency, manual for insurance.

As 2026 elections dey come closer, Nigerians dey watch whether this amendment go reduce election tension or bring fresh gbas gbos. One thing sure — Senate don drop hybrid solution. Now na INEC and network providers go prove whether dem ready.