RismadarVoice Reporters
February 8, 2026
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has faulted critics of the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, saying they are judging the Senate based on an incomplete legislative process.
Akpabio dismissed claims that lawmakers had removed electronic transmission of election results, insisting that the Senate only raised concerns about mandating real-time transmission.
He spoke in Abuja while unveiling a book titled The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, authored by Senator Effiong Bob.
The Senate President said public criticism was premature, stressing that work on the bill has not been concluded.
Akpabio speaking…
“The Electoral Act amendment is incomplete. However, they are already on television. They don’t understand lawmaking.”
He accused some commentators and civil society groups of what he described as abusing the legislature and attempting to impose their views on lawmakers.
Akpabio maintained that no method of transmitting election results has been removed from the bill.
According to him, “If you want to transmit results by phone, tab, or any other means, do so.”
He explained that the Senate’s concern was that insisting on real-time transmission could create legal problems if network failures occur during elections.
Akpabio said such a provision could invalidate election results in areas affected by poor connectivity, insecurity, or power outages.
He added that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, should determine the mode and timing of result transmission within the law.
The Senate President warned that electoral reforms must reflect Nigeria’s infrastructure and institutional capacity, noting that untested technology could threaten, rather than strengthen, democracy.
He said democracy must be guided by law and capacity, not passion alone.
