SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL REPORT
Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has described the newly amended Electoral Act signed by President Bola Tinubu as a landmark reform that will transform the country’s electoral system and strengthen democracy.
Speaking shortly after the presidential assent on Wednesday, Akpabio said the legislation represents years of intensive work by lawmakers under the National Assembly and was carefully designed to address Nigeria’s unique electoral challenges.
According to him, the new law introduces major reforms that will enhance transparency, credibility, and inclusiveness in elections, marking what he called the most significant electoral development since Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Electronic Transmission of Results Now Recognised
One of the key highlights of the amended Act is the official recognition of electronic transmission of polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s viewing portal, known as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV).
Akpabio explained that this provision addresses long-standing public demands for transparency in the collation process.
He noted that while real-time uploads may be affected in areas with poor network coverage, results will still be transmitted once officials reach locations with connectivity, ensuring that election outcomes remain publicly verifiable.
The Senate President emphasized that this measure will significantly reduce the manipulation of results after they leave polling units — a persistent concern in past elections.
Lawmakers Dismiss Critics
Akpabio dismissed criticisms of the amendment, describing some opponents as politically motivated.
He said the legislature focused on the “majority interest of Nigerians” rather than what he called “noise-making,” adding that the final decisions were taken during plenary sessions after extensive consultations across the country.
He also revealed that lawmakers sacrificed holidays and reconvened sessions to complete the reform, highlighting the urgency attached to the legislation.
Changes to Party Primaries and Candidate Disqualification
The new Electoral Act also expands internal party democracy by encouraging direct primaries, giving party members more power in choosing candidates.
Akpabio said this would reduce the influence of delegate systems that often allow a few individuals to determine party nominations.
In addition, the law introduces fresh election requirements in cases where leading candidates are disqualified after polls — replacing previous practices where candidates with significantly fewer votes could be declared winners.
“A New Era for Nigeria’s Democracy”
Akpabio expressed confidence that the amended Act will usher in a new era of credible elections, participatory governance, and stronger public trust in the electoral process.
He concluded that with electronic result transmission now formally included in law, Nigeria has taken a historic step toward ensuring that, in future elections, “every vote truly counts.”
