Network, National Grid Collapse’: Akpabio Explains Why Mandatory E-Transmission Is Risky

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the National Assembly’s decision to remove the provision mandating electronic transmission of election results from the amended Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Senate last week ignited widespread debate after dropping the clause requiring compulsory e-transmission of results, a move that drew sharp criticism from opposition parties, civil society organisations, and the Nigerian Bar Association.

Many Nigerians subsequently urged lawmakers to reverse the decision, warning that it could weaken transparency and credibility in future elections.

However, speaking at the public presentation of The Burdens of Legislators in Nigeria, a book authored by former Senator Effiong Bob, Akpabio dismissed the criticism and insisted that decisions on election modalities fall within the constitutional mandate of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to him, the role of the legislature is limited to lawmaking, while INEC is responsible for determining how elections are conducted and what technology is deployed.

“The Senate does not conduct elections. We do not deploy technology; we only make the laws, and INEC applies them,” Akpabio said.

He added that the “timing, scope and modality” of elections rest with INEC, acting within the legal framework set by the National Assembly and interpreted by the Supreme Court.

Akpabio further cited infrastructure and security concerns as key reasons why mandatory electronic transmission may not be feasible nationwide.

He noted that several states still lack reliable network coverage, particularly due to insecurity, which could disrupt real-time transmission of results.

“Real-time transmission would mean that in more than nine states where networks are not functioning because of insecurity, there would be no election results,” he said.

“Nationally, it also means that if the national grid collapses and networks fail, election results would be invalid,” Akpabio added.

The Senate President also took a swipe at some of the critics of the decision, accusing them of lacking a proper understanding of the legislative process.

“You see some people talking as if they know everything. Even a young man from Akwa Ibom, a publicity secretary of one of the parties, keeps talking,” he said.

“He knows nothing about lawmaking, yet he talks and talks. What can I say? I can’t answer,” Akpabio added.