Natasha, Abaribe, Tambuwal, 12 others demand mandatory real-time election result transmission

The identities of the 15 senators who voted in support of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results during deliberations on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, have emerged following a tense plenary at the Senate of Nigeria.

The lawmakers stood firmly against the retention of a controversial provision that allows manual collation of results as a backup option, insisting instead that electronic transmission should be compulsory and not subject to alternatives.

During Tuesday’s session in the red chamber of the National Assembly, the Senate approved electronic transmission of election results but resolved to retain manual collation as a fallback mechanism. The decision came after a dramatic division on the floor.

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A total of 55 senators voted in favour of keeping the manual backup clause, while 15 senators opposed it, arguing that mandatory real-time electronic transmission would enhance transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Leading the dissenting voices was Enyinnaya Abaribe, who, alongside 14 colleagues, rejected the manual backup provision.

The senators who voted for mandatory real-time electronic transmission are:

Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central)

Enyinnaya Abaribe (ADC, Abia South)

Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central)

Aminu Tambuwal (PDP, Sokoto South)

Ireti Kingibe (ADC, FCT)

Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West)

Onawo Ogwoshi (ADC, Nasarawa South)

Tony Nwoye (ADC, Anambra North)

Victor Umeh (ADC, Anambra Central)

Ibrahim Dankwambo (PDP, Gombe Central)

Austin Akobundu (PDP, Abia Central)

Khalid Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna North)

Sikayo Yaro (PDP, Gombe South)

Emmanuel Nwachukwu (APGA, Anambra South)

Peter Jiya (PDP, Niger South)

Observers described the debate as one of the most heated moments of the legislative session, reflecting deep divisions within the chamber over the best approach to safeguarding electoral integrity.

While proponents of the manual fallback argue that it serves as a safeguard in the event of technical glitches or network failures, critics maintain that retaining manual collation could create loopholes susceptible to manipulation.

The final resolution underscores the Senate’s attempt to balance technological advancement with operational contingencies, even as calls for stricter electronic safeguards continue from sections of the political class and civil society.