An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Alhaji Yisa Ismaila Adebayo, popularly known as Omo-Ade, has called on the (INEC) to prioritise transparency and public education in the run-up to the 2027 general elections, amid renewed controversy over amendments to the Electoral Act 2022.
Adebayo said the electoral umpire must undertake due diligence by clearly explaining all aspects of the voting and result-collation process to Nigerians to prevent post-election disputes. He stressed that trust in the electoral system can only be strengthened if voters understand how results are transmitted, verified and announced.
His comments come at a time when lawmakers at the are considering far-reaching amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly around electronic transmission of election results.
Senate amendment sparks debate
Controversy began on February 4 when the passed an amendment bill after about five hours of clause-by-clause deliberation. Among the changes was a reduction in the timeline for INEC to publish a notice of election—from 360 days to 180 days before polling.
More contentious, however, was the handling of real-time electronic transmission of results. Lawmakers initially rejected a proposal that would have made real-time transmission from polling units to INEC’s result viewing portal (IReV) compulsory, instead retaining a provision that allows the commission to determine how results are electronically transferred.
At the centre of the debate is clause 60(3) of the amendment bill, which had proposed that presiding officers electronically transmit polling-unit results to the IReV portal in real time after completing and signing Form EC8A. Proponents said the clause would transform electronic transmission from a discretionary option into a legal obligation, thereby enhancing transparency.
Civil society groups protested the Senate’s initial decision to reject the clause. The demonstrations, held at the National Assembly complex, were led on the first day by , presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election. On the second day, , former Rivers State governor and ex-minister of transportation, joined the protesters.
Senate makes U-turn
Following mounting pressure, the Senate convened an emergency plenary where it approved electronic transmission of results to the IReV portal while allowing manual collation as a fallback where technology fails.
The amendment was introduced through a motion sponsored by , senator representing Borno North, who said further scrutiny of the bill revealed the need for adjustments to avoid disputes and operational setbacks.
Monguno proposed that presiding officers should transmit results electronically to the IReV portal after Form EC8A is completed and duly signed. The motion was seconded by , the Senate minority leader, who argued that electoral laws must balance transparency with the infrastructural realities across the country.
After brief deliberations, Senate President put the amendment to a voice vote, with lawmakers approving the revised clause.
The Senate and the are expected to harmonise their respective versions of the amendment bill, as the lower chamber had earlier adopted a clause mandating real-time transmission of results.
INEC keeps mum
When contacted for comments, Adedayo Oketola, chief press secretary to INEC chairman , said the commission would not comment on the controversy until the legislative process is concluded.
“The amendment of the Electoral Act 2022 is still an ongoing process. Let’s wait for it to be finalised. We can’t comment on this now,” he said.
Calls for clarity ahead of 2027
As debate continues, stakeholders say clarity on the final provisions of the Electoral Act will be crucial to the credibility of the 2027 elections. Adebayo urged INEC to engage in sustained voter education once the law is finalised, noting that transparency and clear communication will be key to preventing post-election disputes.
Political observers say the coming weeks—when both chambers of the National Assembly reconcile their versions of the bill—will determine how Nigeria balances technological innovation with logistical realities in managing future elections.
