Senate President God’swill Akpabio has insisted that the Nigerian Senate did not remove electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act, countering widespread public misconceptions. According to Senate President Akpabio, lawmakers merely amended specific wording to prevent legal and operational complications during elections.
Speaking on the controversy, Senate President God’swill Akpabio explained that the Senate’s decision focused on removing the phrase “real time” from the law, not banning electronic transmission. He stressed that no method of transmitting election results was prohibited, whether electronic or manual.
The clarification comes amid growing public debate over electoral transparency. Senate President Akpabio’s remarks aim to reassure Nigerians that the Senate remains committed to credible elections while allowing flexibility for practical challenges faced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Senate President God’swill Akpabio Explains Reason for Removing ‘Real Time’ Clause
Senate President Akpabio stated that the removal of the words “real time” was a deliberate and logical step taken to protect the electoral process from unnecessary legal disputes. He noted that insisting on real-time transmission could create problems in areas affected by network failure or power outages.
According to Senate President Akpabio, if the law mandated real-time transmission and technical challenges occurred, election results could be easily challenged in court. Lawyers, he warned, could argue that any delay automatically invalidated the process, regardless of circumstances beyond INEC’s control.
By removing the “real time” requirement, Senate President Akpabio said the Senate acted in the interest of electoral stability. The move, he explained, ensures that technical limitations do not undermine otherwise credible elections conducted across diverse and sometimes remote locations.
Senate President God’swill Akpabio Says No Transmission Method Was Barred
Emphasizing the Senate’s position, Senate President God’swill Akpabio made it clear that no means of transmitting election results was removed or outlawed. He stated that voters and electoral officials are free to use any available method, including phones, tablets, or even bicycles, to convey results from polling units to ward centers.
Senate President Akpabio explained that the Senate intentionally avoided prescribing specific technologies, leaving room for innovation and adaptability. He stressed that Nigeria’s electoral environment requires flexibility due to varying levels of infrastructure across the country.
According to Senate President Akpabio, this approach empowers INEC to make informed decisions based on prevailing conditions. By doing so, the Senate ensures that elections can proceed smoothly without being crippled by rigid legal requirements.
INEC Given Full Authority as Senate President Akpabio Defends Legislative Intent
Senate President Akpabio reiterated that the responsibility for determining the mode of result transmission lies squarely with INEC. He said the Senate deliberately transferred that burden to the electoral body, recognizing its constitutional role and operational expertise.
He noted that INEC is better positioned to assess factors such as network coverage, power supply, and security before deciding on the most effective transmission method during elections. Senate President Akpabio described this as a vote of confidence in the commission’s professionalism.
As debates over electoral reforms continue, Senate President Akpabio urged Nigerians to focus on the substance of the law rather than misinformation. He maintained that the Senate’s actions were guided by practicality, legal foresight, and a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
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