SENATOR Enyinnaya Abaribe has maintained that the Senate approved the real-time electronic transmission of election results, rejecting reports that suggest otherwise and warning that his integrity has been questioned over the issue.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly today alongside 13 other senators, Abaribe clarified that the Senate did not endorse the “transfer” of results as stated in the 2022 Electoral Act but deliberately approved electronic transmission, stressing that the difference in wording is significant.
He explained that the decision followed extensive consultations involving INEC and civil society groups, with a joint National Assembly committee holding several retreats before both chambers reached a consensus in favour of electronic transmission.
According to him, the matter was agreed upon during a closed executive session and subsequently passed at plenary.
Abaribe noted that confusion arose during plenary proceedings, even though the Senate President confirmed on the floor that electronic transmission had been approved.
He added that the legislative process is not yet complete, as the Senate has not adopted its Votes and Proceedings, a step required before a conference committee can harmonise the Senate and House versions of the bill.
Also speaking, Senator Aliyu Ningi said deliberations on the amendment began in 2024 and involved about 27 committee sessions, describing it as painful that public perception does not reflect the work done.
Both senators emphasised that harmonisation cannot proceed until outstanding procedural steps are concluded.
On terminology, Abaribe said the Senate intentionally preferred “transmission” to avoid ambiguity associated with the word “transfer” used in the 2022 Act.
However, during clause-by-clause consideration, the chamber replaced “transmission” with “transfer,” retaining the wording of the existing law after the move was proposed by the Senate Chief Whip, seconded by the Deputy Senate President, and affirmed by the Senate President.