Senate Reconvenes Today as Electoral Act Debate Persists

Kabiru Abdulrauf
1 Min Read

The Senate will hold an emergency plenary session today (Tuesday) amid sustained controversy over amendments to the Electoral Act, especially provisions on the electronic transmission of election results.

The sitting was announced in a notice issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, on the directive of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, with lawmakers scheduled to meet at 12 noon in the Senate Chamber.

Although no official agenda was stated, the session follows public backlash and protests after the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill 2026 through third reading last week.

The controversy centres on Clause 60(3) of the bill. The Senate rejected a proposal to make real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory, retaining the existing provision that allows INEC to determine the mode of transmission.

Public discontent spilled onto the streets on Monday, with civil society groups and opposition figures staging an “Occupy National Assembly” protest in Abuja.

Akpabio has maintained that the Senate did not reject electronic transmission but removed the phrase “real time” to allow flexibility in the event of network challenges.

The emergency sitting is expected to hold amid growing public pressure and political scrutiny.

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Kabiru Abdulrauf is known for his clear, concise storytelling style and his ability to adapt content for television, online platforms, and social media. His work reflects a commitment to accuracy, balance, and audience engagement, with particular interest in African affairs and global developments.