The reversal came after Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, moved a motion asking the chamber to reconsider and withdraw its earlier rejection of real-time electronic transmission of results

The Senate has approved the electronic transmission of election results from polling units, making a U-turn on its earlier decision after facing widespread criticism from Nigerians and opposition parties.

The reversal came after Senate Chief Whip, Mohammed Monguno, moved a motion asking the chamber to reconsider and withdraw its earlier rejection of real-time electronic transmission of results.

Following the motion, lawmakers adopted an amended Clause 60(3), which permits the presiding officer in each polling unit to transmit results electronically once Form EC8A has been properly completed and signed.

According to the approved provision, electronic transmission will be used wherever the required technology is available and functioning.

The clause also states that in cases where electronic transmission cannot be carried out due to technical failure or other challenges, the manually signed Form EC8A will remain the main record of the results.

Debate trailed the consideration of the clause, as Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe at first demanded a division on the matter but later stepped down his request.

Koikimedia reports that the Senate had, last Wednesday, retained sections of the Electoral Act, 2023, which in effect ruled out electronic transmission of results.

The earlier decision drew sharp reactions across the country, with several Nigerians and opposition figures demanding the removal of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Join us on our WhatsApp Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE

koikimedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep