Senate to Hold Emergency Plenary on Electoral Law Amendment Following Public Outcry
The Nigerian Senate is set to reconvene for an emergency plenary session today to revisit controversial amendments to the Electoral Act, responding to mounting public pressure and protests led by former presidential candidate Peter Obi. This development comes amid widespread criticism over the removal of "real-time" electronic transmission provisions from the electoral law amendment bill.
Mounting Pressure Forces Senate's Hand
The upper chamber had initially adjourned for two weeks after passing the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026 through third reading last Wednesday. However, a memo dated February 8 and signed by Senate Clerk Emmanuel Odo directed all senators to return for an emergency sitting, acting on instructions from Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Although the memo did not specify reasons, strong indications suggest the session directly addresses the growing backlash against electoral amendments perceived as weakening transparency safeguards.
Peter Obi Leads National Assembly Protest
On Monday, February 9, Labour Party's 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi joined hundreds of protesters at the National Assembly complex in Abuja, demanding lawmakers restore mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results. The demonstration, organized under the banner "Occupy the National Assembly", saw participants from the Obidient Movement, National Opposition Movement, and various activist groups marching from the Federal Secretariat while carrying placards with messages including:
- "Our votes must count"
- "No to electoral fraud"
- "Protect democracy now"
- "Stop betrayal of the ballot"
Security operatives from the police, army, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps blocked access to the complex, forcing protesters to gather outside the main gates.
Widespread Support for Electoral Transparency
The call for real-time electronic transmission has gained substantial backing from multiple sectors of Nigerian society:
- Civil Society Organizations: Groups including the Kukah Centre and Yiaga Africa issued a two-week ultimatum to the Senate to conclude amendments and transmit the final bill to the president.
- Legal Community: The Nigerian Bar Association warned that leaving electronic transmission discretionary weakens the legal foundation for transparent elections.
- Political Figures: Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai described real-time transmission as the most effective way to prevent manipulation at collation centers.
- Professional Bodies: The Nigerian Guild of Editors and Nigerian Society of Engineers expressed concerns, insisting mandatory electronic transmission would strengthen public confidence.
Technical Concerns and Legislative Process
Speaking at the protest ground, Peter Obi emphasized the Senate must take concrete steps to prevent a repeat of technical glitches reported by INEC during the 2023 general elections. He called for real-time electronic transmission to be clearly enshrined in law, warning that credible elections remain the foundation of national stability and development. Senator Abdul Ningi noted the emergency session may address procedural issues, including whether the disputed clause reflects "transfer" or "transmission" of results, adding that Nigerians deserve transparency in how senators vote on this critical matter.
The Senate's emergency session represents a significant response to public demand for electoral integrity as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections. With various stakeholders united in their call for transparent result transmission mechanisms, this legislative reconsideration could determine the credibility of future electoral processes across the nation.
