‘It Was Collectively Passed’ — Kingibe Says Senate Did Not Reverse E-Transmission of Results
Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has dismissed claims that the senate reversed the provision on electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act.
Kingibe clarified that the red chamber merely retained the existing provision as contained in the Electoral Act 2022 and did not take any action to undermine electronic transmission of results.
Speaking on Wednesday, the senator explained that the senate’s decision during the consideration of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill was collectively reached by lawmakers.
“The provision for electronic transmission of results was not reversed. What the senate did was to retain what already exists in the Electoral Act 2022. It was a collective decision,” Kingibe said.
During the plenary session, the senate rejected proposals seeking the introduction of mandatory real-time transmission of election results, as well as a recommendation for a 10-year ban on individuals found guilty of vote buying.
Instead, lawmakers opted to maintain the current sanctions provided in the existing law, which prescribe either fines or jail terms for electoral offences such as vote trading.
The development has generated mixed reactions across the country, with critics accusing the national assembly of weakening electoral reforms, while supporters argue that the senate acted within the framework of the existing law.
Kingibe urged Nigerians to engage constructively with the legislative process and avoid misinformation that could erode public trust in democratic institutions.
The Electoral Act amendment process continues as lawmakers consider other provisions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future elections.