Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has maintained that the Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results in real time, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise and saying his integrity is on the line over the controversy.
Speaking at a media briefing at the National Assembly on Thursday, Abaribe, flanked by 13 serving senators, clarified that the Senate did not approve the “transfer” of results as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act, but rather endorsed electronic transmission, stressing that the distinction is deliberate and significant.
“I am concerned about reports in the media, which is why we decided to make this clarification. What we passed is electronic transmission of results. I need to make this very clear,” he said.
Abaribe explained that the decision followed an extensive legislative process involving consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations. According to him, a joint committee of the National Assembly held multiple retreats with stakeholders, leading to a consensus by both chambers in favour of electronic transmission of results.
He added that the Senate later constituted an ad hoc committee to review the electoral reform report, which was considered during a closed-door executive session.
“On my honour, during that executive session, we all agreed on electronic transmission of results in real time. At plenary yesterday, we also passed it,” Abaribe said.
He noted that the controversy emerged during plenary, despite confirmation by the Senate President on the floor that electronic transmission had been approved.
Abaribe further explained that the Senate is yet to adopt its Votes and Proceedings, a procedural requirement before a conference committee can be convened to harmonise the Senate and House versions of the bill.
“There is still one more step left. Until the Votes and Proceedings are adopted, the conference committee cannot meet. A huge number of senators across party lines are with us,” he said.
Also speaking, Senator Aliyu Ningi said the amendment process dated back to 2024 and involved extensive deliberations.
“We had about 27 different committee sessions. It is painful that public opinion is being driven in a negative direction despite the work that has been done,” Ningi said.
Clarifying the wording, Abaribe said the Senate intentionally adopted the term “transmission” instead of “transfer” to avoid ambiguity.
“What is in the 2022 Act is ‘transfer’. We do not want a vague law. What we passed is electronic ‘transmission’ of results,” he stated.
However, during clause-by-clause consideration, the Senate replaced “transmission” with “transfer,” retaining the wording in the existing Electoral Act. The proposal, moved by the Senate Chief Whip and seconded by the Deputy Senate President, was immediately adopted.
During the debate, Senate Chief Whip Tahir Mongunu argued that the chamber should retain the exact wording of the 2022 Act, a position supported by Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently affirmed the retention of the existing provision.