Senate reconvenes today as Electoral Act triggers uproar
The Nigerian Senate is holding an emergency plenary session due to rising public outrage over amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly regarding the removal of electronic transmission of election results.
The Nigerian Senate reconvenes for an emergency session today in response to widespread public dissent concerning recent amendments to the Electoral Act, notably the controversial removal of the clause mandating the real-time electronic transmission of election results. This decision has spurred significant opposition from various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, labor unions, and a growing movement among the youth who have taken to protesting outside the National Assembly. The amendments, which were passed less than a week ago, have ignited national outrage that cuts across multiple sectors of society, indicating a collective concern over the integrity of future elections in the country. The response from opposition figures and professional bodies has been particularly vocal, demanding that the Senate address these concerns to restore public confidence in the electoral process. Senate President Godswill Akpabio is set to preside over the plenary session, which will include the participation of the remaining 105 senators. Amidst this urgency, the Senate has also faced internal challenges, having lost members recently due to various circumstances, which adds another layer of complexity to today's discussions regarding the critical amendments impacting the upcoming elections.