By Ayomide Otitoju
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe on Thursday insisted that the Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results in real time, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise and defending his integrity on the matter.
Speaking at a media briefing at the National Assembly alongside 13 serving senators, Abaribe clarified that the Senate did not pass the “transfer” of results as referenced in the 2022 Electoral Act, but specifically endorsed electronic transmission, stressing that the distinction is deliberate and significant.
“I am concerned about reports in the media, and that is why we decided to make this clarification. What we passed is electronic transmission of results. I need to make this very clear,” Abaribe said.
He explained that the decision followed an extensive legislative process involving consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations (CSOs). A joint committee of the National Assembly held multiple retreats with stakeholders, reaching a consensus that electronic transmission of results should be adopted by both chambers.
The Senate then set up an ad hoc committee to review the electoral reform report, which was considered during a closed-door session. “I can assure you, on my honour, that during the executive session we all agreed on electronic transmission of results in real time. At plenary yesterday, we also passed it,” he added.
Abaribe attributed the ensuing controversy to misunderstandings during plenary, despite confirmation by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that electronic transmission had been approved. He noted that the Votes and Proceedings have not yet been formally adopted—a necessary procedural step before a conference committee can harmonise the Senate and House versions of the bill.
“There is still one more step left for the Senate to take. Until the Votes and Proceedings are adopted, the conference committee cannot take place. Either the House or the Senate version has to be adopted. A huge number of senators across party lines are with us,” he said.
Senator Aliyu Ningi, also at the briefing, said the legislative process began in 2024 and involved about 27 committee sessions. “Some of us find this very painful, that public opinion is being pushed in a negative direction despite the work that has been done,” he said.
Clarifying the language, Abaribe said the Senate deliberately chose the word “transmission” instead of “transfer” to avoid ambiguity. However, during clause-by-clause consideration, the Senate removed “transmission” and retained the term “transfer,” as in the 2022 Electoral Act.
The proposal to retain “transfer” was made by Senate Chief Whip Tahir Mongunu, seconded by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, and affirmed by Senate President Akpabio, sparking debate over terminology but not the underlying approval of electronic results transmission.
Both senators emphasised that the legislative process is ongoing and that harmonisation cannot occur until the remaining procedural steps are completed.
