Following the backlash that trailed the recent amendment to the Electoral Act, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has summoned an emergency session for tomorrow, Tuesday, February 9, in a move to fast-track legislative action on the controversial Electoral Act Amendments Bill.
This was as prominent Nigerians including former Senate President, David Mark; Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, Dr Oby Ezekwesili, Prof Pat Utomi, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, Dr Usman Bugaje, Dr Bilikisu Magoro, Amb Nkoyo Toyo, Comrade Shehu Sanni, Comrade Ene Obi, and Olawale Okunniyi among others, have kicked against senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results.
At the same time, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged the Senate to ensure that amended the Electoral Act provided unambiguous mandate for the Independent National Electoral Commission to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time.
A statement yesterday by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, directed all senators to reconvene for the extraordinary sitting scheduled to commence at noon.
While the official notice did not state the reason for the sudden recall, investigations by THISDAY revealed that the emergency plenary is aimed at approving the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate’s last sitting. It is an essential procedural step to allow the conference committee on the Electoral Act amendments to commence work.
A ranking senator, who is also a principal officer, confirmed the development, noting that lawmakers had already received a circular from the presiding officer. The senator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said, “We have been formally asked to reconvene on Tuesday to approve the Votes and Proceedings of our last legislative sitting.
“This is necessary to clear the way for the conference committee to begin work on the Electoral Act Amendments Bill.” The senator further hinted that the emergency session might begin behind closed doors, given the rising political tension surrounding provisions on the electronic transmission of election results.
“It is most likely that there will be an executive session before the main business of the day. The issue of electronic transmission of results has already generated serious tension within and outside the National Assembly,” he added.
The sudden recall came amid intense public scrutiny and mounting criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups and election observers, who had accused the National Assembly of attempting to dilute key reforms ahead of the 2027 general election.
The Senate and the House of Representatives are currently on a two-week recess, during which lawmakers are expected to engage ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) on the implementation of the 2026 budget
However, the decision to interrupt the recess underscores the urgency the Senate leadership attaches to resolving outstanding legislative issues on the Electoral Act, which is the legislation that will shape the conduct, credibility and integrity of future elections in Nigeria.
Political watchers say Tuesday’s emergency sitting could prove pivotal, as it might determine the final direction of electoral reforms and set the tone for the next phase of engagement between the National Assembly, the executive and the Nigerian electorate especially the issue of electronic transmission of election results.
Mark, Bugaje, Utomi, Falana, Wabba, Ezekwesili, Magori and Sanni, Others Kick
Prominent Nigerians, yesterday, kicked against senate’s rejection of electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general poll.
A former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has insisted that the ADC position was clear and non-negotiable on the matter. The exchange occurred at the public presentation of “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria” held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, where Mark chaired the occasion
During his address, Akpabio urged the ADC and other critics of the amendment process not to be in a hurry, stressing that the Senate had yet to conclude work on the Electoral Act amendment.
He argued that calls for real-time electronic transmission of election results failed to take into account Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges, citing lack of electricity and internet access in many rural communities. According to him, allowing such a provision in the law could negatively affect electoral outcomes.
Responding, Mark said the Senate President could not speak on behalf of the ADC, adding that the party’s demand—and that of many Nigerians—was straightforward.
Mark said there was no need for lengthy explanations or justifications, stressing that all the ADC was asking for was for the National Assembly to pass the amendment with provisions for real-time transmission of results, and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine its feasibility.
