Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has clarified that the Nigerian Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results in real time, rejecting media reports suggesting otherwise and asserting that his integrity is being questioned over the issue.
Speaking at a media briefing on Thursday at the National Assembly alongside 13 other senators, Abaribe stressed that the Senate did not endorse the “transfer” of results as outlined in the 2022 Electoral Act. Instead, he said, lawmakers deliberately approved electronic transmission of results—a distinction he described as critical.
“I am concerned about inaccurate reports circulating in the media, and that is why we are making this clarification. What we approved is electronic transmission of results in real time. I want to make this absolutely clear,” Abaribe said.
He explained that the Senate’s decision followed extensive consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations (CSOs), involving multiple legislative sessions and retreats.
Abaribe noted that a joint National Assembly committee reviewed the electoral reform report, after which both the House of Representatives and Senate agreed on the adoption of electronic transmission of results. An ad hoc committee was later established to consider the report, culminating in approval during a closed-door executive session and subsequent plenary.
The senator said confusion arose during plenary despite confirmation from the Senate President that electronic transmission had been approved. He further explained that the Senate has not yet formally adopted the Votes and Proceedings, a necessary step before the conference committee can harmonise differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill.
“There is still one procedural step left. Until the Votes and Proceedings are adopted, the conference committee cannot meet. A significant number of senators across party lines support this,” he said.
Senator Aliyu Ningi, who also spoke at the briefing, said the process began as far back as 2024, involving over 27 committee sessions and extensive deliberations. Both senators emphasised that harmonisation cannot occur until all procedural steps are completed.
Abaribe clarified that the Senate deliberately used the term “transmission” instead of “transfer” to avoid ambiguity. However, during clause-by-clause consideration, the word “transmission” was replaced with “transfer” in accordance with the existing 2022 Electoral Act. The amendment, proposed by the Senate Chief Whip, seconded by the Deputy Senate President, and adopted on the floor, prompted debate over the wording.
Senator Tahir Mongunu argued for retaining the term “transfer” as in the law, a position supported by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. Senate President Godswill Akpabio upheld the provision, striking the gavel to confirm the wording.
