Dare Babalola
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, is supporting the push for real-time electronic transmission of election results, emphasising that Nigerians deserve trustworthy elections.
Akpoti-Uduaghan expressed her stance in a Facebook post Tuesday, ahead of a key Senate session on proposed changes to the Electoral Act.
Her stance marks a notable shift as the upper chamber comes under intense pressure to reverse its decision to delete the phrase “real-time” from provisions on electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026.
She wrote, “As I step into the Senate chamber today, I carry with me the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for stronger democratic safeguards enshrined in our laws.
“Real-time electronic transmission of election results is a critical step toward deepening transparency, preserving the sanctity of the people’s mandate, and restoring public confidence in our electoral process.
“Our democracy must continue to evolve with systems that ensure every vote truly counts and every voice is faithfully represented.
“Nigeria deserves elections that inspire trust, strengthen unity, and reflect the genuine will of the people.”
The removal of “real-time” electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act has sparked nationwide outrage, with critics warning it could compromise electoral integrity.
Civil society groups, opposition figures, and youth organisations argue this move could weaken safeguards and undermine trust in the electoral process.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention followed mass protests at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where demonstrators condemned the Senate’s earlier decision to drop real-time electronic transmission from the amended law.
The protest, tagged Occupy the National Assembly, was organised by pro-democracy activists, who accused lawmakers of deliberately rolling back electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Last week, the Senate passed the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Reenactment) Amendment Bill, 2026, through third reading.
A major flashpoint in the legislation is the deletion of the word “real-time” from clauses governing the electronic transmission of results, a move critics argue creates opportunities for result manipulation and post-election interference.
Although the Senate has issued several clarifications, insisting that it did not outlaw electronic transmission of results, protesters and election observers maintain that the absence of the explicit phrase “real-time electronic transmission” leaves room for abuse and undermines public confidence in the electoral process.
The Senate is expected to deliberate further on the matter amid mounting public scrutiny and sustained pressure for a reversal.
