Summary
The National Assembly has approved electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections but retained a manual backup provision, sparking protests, a walkout by opposition lawmakers and widespread debate across both chambers. Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved the electronic transmission of election results for the upcoming 2027 general elections, but retained a manual backup clause,...
Key Takeaways
- The National Assembly has approved electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections but retained a manual backup provision, sparking protests, a walkout by opposition lawmakers and widespread debate across both chambers.
- Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved the electronic transmission of election results for the upcoming 2027 general elections, but retained a manual backup clause, a decision that drew protests, heated argument on the floor and a walkout by opposition lawmakers.
- The dramatic session exposed deep divisions within the 10th Assembly over how to modernise the country’s electoral process while safeguarding transparency and confidence.
Under the amended Clause 60(3), returning officers will be required to electronically upload results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), but if electronic transmission is disrupted by network or communication failures, the manually completed and signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary basis for collation and declaration.
In the Senate, 55 lawmakers supported retaining the manual backup proviso, while a minority — led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South) and backed by 14 others — stood against it. Opponents argued that discretionary manual fallback could compromise transparency and dilute the gains of technology in strengthening electoral credibility.
Protests also played out outside the National Assembly complex, with civil society activists and former government officials voicing concerns that the law as passed could weaken electoral safeguards instead of strengthening them. At least one former federal minister joined demonstrators calling for a more robust, technology‑centered approach to result transmission.
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The National Assembly has approved electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections but retained a manual backup provision, sparking protests, a walkout by opposition lawmakers and widespread debate across both chambers. Nigeria’s National Assembly on Tuesday approved the electronic transmission of election results for the upcoming 2027 general elections, but retained a manual backup clause,...
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Glow 99.1 FM published this story with Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer listed as author.
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February 18, 2026
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Oyetoke Adedayo Ebenezer
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