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Senate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Tinubu is expected to sign the amended Electoral Act this month amid public backlash and renewed talks on electronic transmission of results.
Akpabio made this known during an emergency sitting of the Senate in Abuja. He told lawmakers that once the National Assembly completes work on harmonizing the amendments, the bill will be sent to the President for approval without delay.
According to him, the process is already at an advanced stage, and the presidency is ready to act as soon as lawmakers finish their part.
He expressed confidence that the signing will happen this month if all goes as planned.
The Electoral Act guides how elections are conducted in Nigeria, including voting procedures, result collation, and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Any change to the law directly affects future elections, which is why the latest amendment has attracted strong reactions from politicians, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians.
The controversy mainly started after the Senate initially rejected the idea of real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Many Nigerians feared that removing the “real-time” provision could weaken transparency and open the door for manipulation.
Opposition leaders, activists, and supporters of electoral reform quickly kicked against the move. Some of them staged protests at the National Assembly, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could suffer if technology is not fully embraced in elections.
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Senate Sets Up Emergency Committee
In response to the backlash, the Senate set up a 12-member committee to urgently work with the House of Representatives. The job of the committee is to reconcile differences between the versions of the amendment passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Akpabio instructed the committee to treat the assignment as a matter of urgency.
He explained that consultations with House leadership made it necessary to expand the committee and fast-track discussions so the final bill can be ready within days.
He stressed that lawmakers must work together to ensure the final version of the law reflects national interest and restores public confidence in the electoral process.
Senate Makes a U-Turn on E-Transmission
Following intense pressure from Nigerians, the Senate reviewed its earlier decision. Lawmakers later agreed to allow electronic transmission of election results, though without insisting on the words “real-time.”
Under the new arrangement, INEC will transmit results electronically where network coverage is available.
However, in areas with poor or no internet service, manual documentation using Form EC8A will still be used as backup.
Supporters of the amendment say this compromise recognizes Nigeria’s uneven internet coverage while still promoting transparency through technology.
Mixed Reactions Continue
Despite the Senate’s adjustment, reactions remain divided. Some opposition figures insist that anything short of full real-time transmission is not good enough. Others believe the latest decision is a step in the right direction and shows that lawmakers listened to public concerns.
Political analysts say President Tinubu’s expected signing of the bill will be a major moment for his administration, especially as Nigerians continue to judge his commitment to democratic reforms.
What Happens Next?
Once the Senate and House committee finalizes its report, both chambers will approve a harmonized version of the bill. After that, it will be forwarded to President Tinubu for assent.
If signed into law this month as promised, the amended Electoral Act will shape how future elections are conducted in Nigeria, starting from party primaries to general elections.
For many Nigerians, the hope is simple: a clearer, fairer, and more transparent electoral system that truly reflects the will of the people.
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