Senator Ireti Kingibe says electronic transmission and real-time IREV uploads remain in the Electoral Amendment Bill amid Senate controversy

Senator Ireti Kingibe, representing the Federal Capital Territory and a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, has assured Nigerians that key reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results, remain part of the ongoing Electoral Amendment Bill.

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Her clarification follows criticism from major opposition parties over the Senate’s rejection of a proposed amendment to Clause 70(3), which sought to make electronic transmission of results compulsory.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Kingibe explained that the National Assembly undertook an extensive and inclusive reform process across 2024 and 2025.

This involved public hearings, policy retreats, and consultations with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and civil society organisations.

According to her, the report from the process was built on three key pillars:

Electronic transmission of election results and real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV)

Recognition of three modes of party primaries — direct, indirect, and consensus

Clearly defined election timelines to ensure orderly and credible polls

She disclosed that when the report was presented to the Senate, an ad hoc committee was set up to review it and that about 85 per cent of Senators supported electronic transmission of results.

Kingibe expressed concern over claims that the Senate had discarded the reforms or reverted to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act.

“While the 2022 Act used the term ‘transfer’ of results, the committees, after careful deliberation, specifically recommended that the commission SHALL

electronically transmit results and upload to the IREV in real time. These amendments are documented and still to be harmonised,” she said.

Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the Senate did not entirely reject electronic transmission but retained the existing provision which states that results should be transferred “in a manner as prescribed by the Commission.”

Kingibe explained that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives is still ongoing, with a correspondence committee constituted to align both versions into a single final bill.

She urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the reform process and hold their representatives accountable to ensure the final legislation safeguards votes and strengthens democracy.

Also read: Electoral Act Bill Deferred by Senate Amid Controversy Over INEC Leadership

“We are your representatives. We are your voice. And your will must shape the laws that govern you,” she added.