Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has dismissed claims that the Senate rejected electronic transmission of election results, insisting the chamber approved real-time transmission, not the “transfer” wording in the 2022 Electoral Act.
Speaking at a press briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday, February 5, alongside 13 serving senators, Abaribe stressed that the distinction between “transmission” and “transfer” is deliberate and significant.
“Since yesterday, the media has been awash with reports suggesting that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results. That is not correct,” Abaribe said.
“To put the record straight, the Senate did not—I repeat, did not—reject electronic transmission of results as provided for in the 2022 Electoral Act,” he added.
Abaribe explained that the Senate’s decision followed extensive consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations.
He said a joint National Assembly committee held several retreats with stakeholders, reaching a consensus that electronic transmission should be adopted by both the House and the Senate.
“That report was considered during a closed-door session. I can assure you, on my honour, that during the executive session we all agreed on electronic transmission of results in real time. At plenary yesterday, we also passed it,” he said.
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He noted that confusion arose during plenary, even though Senate President Godswill Akpabio confirmed the approval on the floor.
Abaribe added that the legislative process is not yet complete, as the Votes and Proceedings still need adoption before the conference committee can harmonise the Senate and House versions.
“There is still one more step left for the Senate to take. Until the Votes and Proceedings are adopted, the conference committee cannot take place. Either the House or the Senate version has to be adopted. A huge number of senators across party lines are with us,” he said.
Clarifying terminology, Abaribe said, “What is in the 2022 Act is ‘transfer’. We do not want a law that is vague or ambiguous. What we passed is electronic ‘transmission’ of results.”
During clause-by-clause consideration, however, the Senate replaced “transmission” with “transfer,” following proposals by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Mongunu and Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, which Senate President Akpabio affirmed.
This clarification aims to assure the public that electronic transmission of election results remains part of the Senate’s approved electoral reform agenda.