The Senate on Tuesday rescinded its earlier decision rejecting the real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
The red chamber resolved that presiding officers shall electronically transmit results from polling units to the IReV portal, provided that where electronic transmission fails or becomes difficult, Form EC8A will serve as the primary means of collation.
The resolution followed the consideration and adoption of a motion moved by the Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC, Borno North), during an emergency plenary session in Abuja. The motion was seconded by the Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro.
The proposal relates to Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which was amended before being passed. Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the revised clause before putting it to a vote.
Akpabio explained that the clause provides that presiding officers shall electronically transmit results from polling units to INEC’s IReV portal, with the provision that if electronic transmission fails, Form EC8A will become the primary means of collation.
Moving the motion titled “Motion for Rescission on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026,” Monguno recalled that the bill had earlier been passed on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
He noted that upon further review, fresh issues emerged regarding Clause 60(3), requiring additional legislative consideration to ensure smooth, transparent, and credible elections.
Relying on Orders 1(b) and 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, 2023 (as amended), the Senate resolved to rescind its earlier decision on Clause 60(3) and recommit the clause to the Committee of the Whole for further reconsideration and passage.
Monguno said the decision to reverse the earlier rejection of electronic transmission was driven by the need for the Electoral Act to reflect the wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.
“This amendment is to align our laws with the wishes and aspirations of the people,” he said.
The majority of senators voted in support of the new amendment when it was put to a voice vote.
However, the emergency session witnessed moments of tension as lawmakers deliberated on adopting the Votes and Proceedings of the February 4 sitting, during which the Electoral Bill was originally passed.
The session became rowdy after Senate President Akpabio read the details of the proposed amendment to Section 60(3), following Monguno’s motion for rescission. Some senators expressed concerns over certain wordings in the revised proposal.
At one point, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe raised a point of order under Order 70, calling for a division to allow each senator vote individually. He later withdrew the motion, citing concerns that it could jeopardize the amendment to Clause 60(3).
The amended clause was subsequently approved by the majority of lawmakers.
(Daily Trust)
