Electoral Act: Tension as Senate Revisits Clause 60 Amid Protests
The Nigerian Senate faced disruptions as lawmakers revisited a controversial clause regarding the electronic transmission of election results.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate experienced significant disruptions as lawmakers convened to review their previous decision on a critical component of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, specifically concerning electronic transmission of election results. The Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, initiated the discussion by calling for a rescission of the Senate's earlier approval of Clause 60(3) of the bill, which sparked a heated debate among senators. His call was backed by Senator Abdul Ningi, but it was immediately met with resistance, leading to a chaotic environment in the chamber.
As tension mounted, Senator Monguno proceeded to read the amended Clause 60(3), which omitted the term "real-time" and replaced "transmission" with "transfer." This adjustment raised objections from Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who vocally contested the changes and sought to raise points of order. The resulting discord led to an uproar within the Senate, highlighting the deep divisions among lawmakers about the regulation of election processes in Nigeria, particularly concerning transparency and accountability in the forthcoming elections.
This incident underscores the contentious nature of electoral reforms in Nigeria, where the debate over electronic transmission of results reflects broader issues of trust and integrity in the electoral system. The protests from various senators illustrate the high stakes involved and the potential implications for future elections, especially as public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile. As the Senate navigates these discussions, the outcome may significantly influence the political landscape ahead of the 2026 elections.