National Assembly Moves To Harmonise Electoral Act Amendment

National Assembly Moves To Harmonise Electoral Act Amendment.
House insists on compulsory real time electronic uploads.
Conference committee set up to harmonise bill versions

What began as a routine harmonisation of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has developed into a major test of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, following fresh controversy over provisions on electronic transmission of election results.

Tension escalated after the Senate passed amendments that stopped short of making live electronic transmission of results mandatory, a move that sparked protests, civil society criticism and heightened scrutiny of the National Assembly as preparations for the 2027 general elections intensify.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that at the centre of the dispute is Clause 60(3) of the amended bill, which provides for both manual and electronic transmission of results but removes explicit reference to real time uploads from polling units. The provision had been widely regarded by many Nigerians as a safeguard for transparency and credibility.

The House of Representatives had earlier approved a version of the bill that mandates direct, real time electronic transmission of results to the Result Viewing portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

While the House maintained that real time uploads should be compulsory, the Senate initially opposed the requirement, citing concerns about possible network failures during elections.

Following public backlash, the Senate revised its position, retaining electronic transmission but allowing manual collation where technological challenges arise.

To reconcile the differences, both chambers have constituted 12 member conference committees to harmonise their versions of the bill before final passage and transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.

The Senate delegation was announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during an emergency plenary session convened amid mounting criticism. The 12 member team is chaired by Senator Simon Bako Lalong and includes Senators Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Iya Abbas and Tokunbo Abiru.

The House delegation, also made up of 12 lawmakers, is chaired by Representative Adebayo Balogun. Other members include Representatives Fred Agbedi, Sada Soli, Ahmadu Jaha, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Saidu Musa Abdullahi and Dr Zainab Gimba.

Lawmakers say the balanced composition of both committees reflects the political sensitivity of the matter, as the National Assembly seeks a harmonised outcome capable of addressing public concerns and strengthening confidence in the electoral process ahead of 2027.