According to a report by Daily Post News, on Sunday, February 8, 2026, Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, has defended the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, stating that the National Assembly has not completed work on the proposed changes and that several public criticisms are based on a misunderstanding of how the legislative process operates.
He clarified that the bill remains under consideration and has not reached a final stage.
Speaking in Abuja, Akpabio addressed concerns surrounding the Senate’s decision not to make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory in the amended Electoral Act.
He explained that debates on the issue are still active within the chamber and that no single provision should be viewed as the final position of the Senate until the bill passes through all required legislative stages.
He noted that the amendment process involves multiple levels of review, consultations, and possible adjustments before any bill becomes law.
According to him, it is premature to judge the outcome of the proposed amendment when deliberations are still ongoing and when lawmakers continue to examine technical, security, and logistical implications tied to the conduct of elections.
Akpabio pointed to challenges affecting communication infrastructure in parts of the country, particularly areas impacted by insecurity.
He explained that these conditions influenced discussions around electronic transmission of results and why flexibility is being considered in the amendment.
He said: “In some states, networks are not working because of insecurity. If you insist on real-time transmission, it means there will be no valid results from those areas.”
The Senate President also stressed that the role of the legislature is to create a legal framework that accommodates the country’s realities.
He said the amendment is not designed to weaken the electoral process but to ensure that elections can be conducted smoothly across all regions, regardless of existing security or infrastructure limitations.
He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission should be given the discretion to determine the most appropriate method and timing for transmitting election results.
According to him, INEC is better positioned to assess operational conditions on the ground and apply solutions that align with available resources and security assessments.
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, reiterated that the amendment of the Electoral Act is still in progress and urged the public to await the completion of legislative procedures before forming conclusions.
He maintained that the Senate remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system through laws that reflect practical realities and institutional responsibilities.
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