Why Senate removed mandatory E-Transmission — Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has justified the Senate’s decision to reject mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, citing the absence of network coverage in at least nine states across Nigeria.

Akpabio made the clarification amid nationwide criticism that followed the Senate’s recent amendment of the Electoral Act, which removed compulsory real-time electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The decision has sparked widespread backlash from Nigerians, opposition political parties and professional bodies, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), who have urged the National Assembly to reverse the move.

Speaking during the launch of a book by former senator, Effiong Bob, titled “The Burdens of Legislators in Nigeria,” Akpabio dismissed the criticism, insisting that it is the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the modalities for conducting elections.

The Senate President argued that enforcing real-time electronic transmission could disenfranchise parts of the country affected by insecurity and poor telecommunications infrastructure.

“Real-time transmission means that in over nine states where networks are not working because of insecurity, there will be no election results,” Akpabio said.

“Nationally, it means that if the national grid collapses and no network is working, no election results will be valid.”

He further stated that grievances over election technology deployment should be directed at INEC, not the legislature, stressing that the Senate’s role is limited to lawmaking.

“The Senate does not conduct elections, we don’t deploy technology, we only make laws. INEC must apply the law,” he said.

Akpabio also took a swipe at some critics of the Senate’s decision, accusing them of lacking an understanding of legislative processes.

According to him, “The timing, scope and modality of elections rest with INEC, acting within the framework of the law enacted by parliament and interpreted by the Supreme Court.”

The Senate’s position continues to fuel debate over transparency and credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections, as stakeholders remain divided on the role of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process.