Some senators have clarified and reaffirmed the passage of clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill on real-time electronic transmission of election results during plenary on Wednesday. Thirteen senators led by Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe made the statement at a news conference in Abuja on Thursday following media reports suggesting that the senate had rejected the clause.
Abaribe explained that the clarification was necessary to address misunderstandings about the senate’s position. He stressed that all senators acted under the public trust of their constituencies and that the decision to approve electronic transmission of results reflected a consensus reached by a joint committee of electoral members from both chambers.
He noted that the joint committee held several retreats where members agreed that electronic transmission was the appropriate method for transmitting election results. This agreement was reflected in reports presented to both the House of Representatives and the Senate and subsequently passed in plenary without controversy.
Abaribe also highlighted that a harmonisation committee had been set up to reconcile the versions passed by the senate and the House of Representatives. The harmonised document will eventually be presented to the president for assent. He added that after Wednesday’s plenary, the senate adjourned and did not reconvene to approve the votes and proceedings, as the harmonisation process was the next step.
He emphasised that the majority of senators across party lines supported real-time electronic transmission of results, noting that the matter transcends political affiliations and is a national issue. Abaribe encouraged Nigerians to follow up with their representatives and ensure transparency in the electoral process.
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