In a significant move aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s electoral process, the Senate today adopted an amendment to the Electoral Act, formally approving the electronic transmission of election results from polling units nationwide. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District and a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, was among the key supporters of the legislative change.
The decision was reached during an emergency plenary session, where lawmakers considered and passed the amended Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act. Senator Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State and a longstanding advocate for legislative reforms, spoke in strong support during the debate. The revised clause mandates that presiding officers at polling units are permitted to transmit results electronically immediately after the completion and signing of the statutory Form EC8A.
The amendment establishes electronic transmission as the primary method for relaying results in areas where the required technology is available and functional. Crucially, the legislation includes a safeguard: in instances of technological failure or impossibility, the original, duly signed Form EC8A will serve as the valid and primary source of the results.
In a statement following the plenary, Senator Kalu framed the amendment as a balanced and pragmatic step forward.
”This balanced approach strengthens transparency, fairness, and credibility in our electoral process, while ensuring that voters in network-challenged communities are not disenfranchised,” he stated. He emphasized the inclusive intent of the policy, adding, “Our democracy must work for every Nigerian, everywhere.”
The amendment is widely seen as a direct response to longstanding public and international observer calls for greater transparency and real-time accountability in Nigeria’s election results management system. Proponents argue that electronic transmission will reduce human error and potential interference during the manual collation process, thereby bolstering public confidence.
However, the provision for a paper-based fallback acknowledges the persistent challenges of network coverage and infrastructure in certain regions of the country, aiming to create a system that is both progressive and equitable.
The amendment now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence before being sent to the President for assent. If enacted, the new law will govern result transmission procedures in future elections.
Senate Approves Electronic Transmission of Election Results; Senator Orji Kalu Endorses Reform
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