Electoral Act Amendment: Akpabio Summons Emergency Senate Sitting as Prominent Nigerians, NLC Oppose Rejection of Electronic Transmission

The controversy surrounding the recent amendment to Nigeria’s Electoral Act has deepened following the decision of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, to summon an emergency sitting of the upper legislative chamber. The extraordinary plenary, scheduled for Tuesday, February 9, is aimed at accelerating legislative processes on the Electoral Act Amendments Bill, which has triggered widespread criticism over the Senate’s rejection of provisions for the electronic transmission of election results.

The emergency recall of senators was formally communicated through a statement issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, directing lawmakers to reconvene at noon. Although the notice did not explicitly state the purpose of the sitting, investigations revealed that the session is primarily to approve the Votes and Proceedings of the Senate’s last sitting. This procedural step is crucial to enable the conference committee on the Electoral Act amendments to commence its work.

A ranking senator and principal officer of the Senate, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that members had received official communication from the presiding officer. According to the lawmaker, approving the Votes and Proceedings is necessary to clear outstanding legislative formalities and pave the way for further engagement on the bill. The senator also disclosed that the emergency session may initially be held behind closed doors due to the intense political tension generated by the electronic transmission clause.

The Senate’s action comes amid mounting pressure from prominent Nigerians, civil society actors, opposition figures, and organised labour, all of whom have condemned the rejection of electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general election. Among those who have publicly kicked against the Senate’s position are former Senate President and African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman, David Mark; human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN; former Minister of Education Dr Oby Ezekwesili; economist Prof. Pat Utomi; former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Ayuba Wabba; and several other respected activists and public intellectuals.

Adding its voice to the growing opposition, the Nigeria Labour Congress has urged the National Assembly to ensure that the amended Electoral Act grants the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a clear and unambiguous mandate to electronically transmit and collate election results from polling units in real time. The labour centre warned that failure to strengthen the law could undermine public confidence in future elections and threaten Nigeria’s democratic stability.

The backlash has intensified scrutiny of the National Assembly, with critics accusing lawmakers of attempting to weaken critical electoral reforms in the build-up to the 2027 polls. Although both chambers of the National Assembly are currently on a two-week recess to allow legislators engage ministries, departments and agencies on the implementation of the 2026 budget, the decision to interrupt the break underscores the urgency attached to resolving the Electoral Act controversy.

At a recent public event in Abuja, where he chaired the presentation of a book titled “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria,” Senator David Mark firmly rejected suggestions that critics should exercise patience. While Senate President Akpabio had earlier argued that the Senate had not concluded work on the amendment and cited infrastructural challenges—such as poor electricity supply and limited internet access in rural areas—as reasons for opposing real-time transmission, Mark insisted that the ADC’s position was non-negotiable.

According to Mark, the demand from his party and many Nigerians is straightforward: the Electoral Act should be amended to allow real-time electronic transmission of results, while leaving INEC to determine the operational feasibility. He dismissed prolonged explanations, stressing that enabling technology-driven transparency is essential for restoring trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Political observers believe the emergency Senate sitting could be pivotal in shaping the future of electoral reforms in the country. The outcome may determine whether the National Assembly aligns with public demand for greater transparency or sustains a position that many view as a setback to democratic consolidation. As pressure mounts from across the political and civic spectrum, Tuesday’s session is expected to set the tone for the next phase of engagement between lawmakers, the executive, and the Nigerian electorate on the integrity of future elections.