The Nigerian Senate, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has announced that the decision to make electronic transmission of election results discretionary instead of mandatory was based on empirical data and the realities of the country. In a statement released by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Bamidele emphasized that law-making involves significant responsibilities and that the Senate's actions are meant to ultimately protect the interests of the citizens rather than react based solely on emotion or sentiment.

The Senate's decision came as part of the ongoing reform of Nigeria's electoral governance framework. They specifically resolved against Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill, 2026, which mandated the presiding officer to transmit election results electronically. By making this clause discretionary, the Senate aims to respond to various concerns raised by key stakeholders within the communications and power sectors, reflecting the potential challenges faced in implementing electronic transmission in the country's current context.

This development has implications for the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria, raising questions about transparency and public trust in election results. By placing reliance on empirical data, the Senate's stance suggests a cautious approach amidst the complexities of Nigeria's energy and communication infrastructure. Moving forward, how this decision impacts future elections and the public's perception of electoral fairness remains to be seen.