Akpabio defends Senate’s approach to Electoral Act amendment
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has addressed criticism over the Senate’s ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act. Akpabio clarified that lawmakers have not removed electronic transmission of election results, but only questioned the requirement for real-time transmission. He argued that the legislative process is still incomplete and that critics are misjudging the Senate’s intentions. Other stakeholders, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and David Mark, have voiced differing opinions on the amendment.
What we know
- Godswill Akpabio stated that the Senate’s amendment of the Electoral Act is not yet complete and public debate is premature.
- He clarified that the Senate did not remove electronic transmission of results, but questioned mandating real-time transmission due to possible network failures.
- The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) called on the Senate to make electronic transmission of results mandatory, warning that the current wording could allow manipulation.
- David Mark urged the National Assembly to pass the law and let INEC decide the method of result transmission.
- Speakers at the book unveiling event praised Senator Effiong Bob for highlighting the challenges faced by Nigerian legislators.
