KINGIBE: SENATORS BACK E-TRANSMISSION, BLOCKADE CLAIMS UNFOUNDED

Read Time:1 Minute, 26 Second

By: Fasasi Hammad

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, has assured Nigerians that key reforms in the Electoral Amendment Bill, including electronic transmission of results, remain intact.

The clarification follows criticism from opposition parties over the Senate’s rejection of a proposed amendment to Clause 70(3) of the bill, which sought to make electronic transmission mandatory.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Kingibe said the National Assembly undertook an extensive reform process in 2024–2025, involving public hearings, policy retreats, and consultations with INEC and civil society. She highlighted that the reforms focus on three main pillars:

Electronic transmission of results with real-time upload to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV)
Recognition of direct, indirect, and consensus party primaries
Clearly defined election timelines for orderly, credible polls

Kingibe added that an ad hoc Senate committee reviewed the report, with about 85% of Senators supporting electronic transmission of results. She dismissed claims that the Senate had rejected the reforms or reverted to the 2022 Electoral Act.

“While the 2022 Act used the term ‘transfer’ of results, the committees specifically recommended that the commission shall electronically transmit results and upload to the IREV in real time. These amendments are documented and still to be harmonised,” she said.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio previously clarified that the Senate did not entirely reject electronic transmission but retained provisions from the Electoral Act regarding result transfer.

Kingibe noted that harmonisation between the Senate and House of Representatives is ongoing and urged citizens to stay engaged to ensure the final bill strengthens democracy.

“We are your representatives. Your will must shape the laws that govern you,” she said.