Election Storm Brewing? Tension Rises at NASS Meeting On Results Transmission

Tension is mounting at the National Assembly as the 24-member Conference Committee—drawn equally from the Senate and the House of Representatives—meets today (Monday) to harmonise positions on the contentious method of transmitting election results to INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

The committee is expected to reach a final decision on Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, a provision that generated controversy and prompted the Senate to convene an emergency session last week.

Ahead of the meeting, intense political lobbying has reportedly been underway. Indications suggest that the All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds the majority in both chambers, is pushing for the Senate’s version of the amendment.

The Senate’s proposal allows for both electronic and manual transmission of results, removes the requirement for real-time upload, and recognises the manual Form EC8A as the primary record in cases of technical failure. By contrast, the House of Representatives’ version makes real-time electronic transmission from polling units to the IReV portal mandatory—a position backed by civil society groups and opposition parties, who argue it would reduce electoral manipulation.

Critics say the Senate’s approach could weaken transparency. Former Inter-Party Advisory Council Chairman, Peter Ameh, described the revision as largely cosmetic, arguing that it introduces a conditional loophole that could perpetuate confusion and distrust in the electoral system.

Several lawmakers have openly supported the House position. Senator Seriake Dickson urged the conference committee to adopt the House’s version in full, noting that it reflected earlier consultations involving National Assembly committees, consultants, and INEC. He described the clause as critical and expressed concern that an earlier consensus had been diluted.

Similarly, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasised that real-time electronic transmission is vital for safeguarding votes and restoring public confidence in the electoral process.

Despite opposition objections, insiders say the APC leadership is determined to ensure the Senate’s version prevails. A member of the harmonisation committee, speaking anonymously, said that while minority voices would be heard, the majority would ultimately decide. With the APC’s numerical advantage—particularly in the Senate, where it dominates the conference committee—the ruling party is widely expected to influence the outcome.

APC lawmakers have defended the Senate’s more flexible approach, arguing that the law must reflect Nigeria’s infrastructural realities. Some maintain that making real-time upload compulsory in areas with poor or nonexistent network coverage could create legal and logistical complications. They insist that granting INEC discretion does not amount to abandoning transparency.

Opposition lawmakers, however, argue that anything short of mandatory real-time transmission could undermine electoral credibility. They contend that technological challenges should be addressed through improved infrastructure rather than legislative flexibility.

INEC officials have consistently expressed commitment to technological innovation but have emphasised the need for clear legal backing and adequate funding.

Sources within the House suggest that a compromise may be under consideration, potentially making electronic upload mandatory where network coverage exists, with defined fallback procedures where it does not.

As the conference committee deliberates, three possible outcomes remain: adoption of the House’s strict real-time requirement; endorsement of the Senate’s discretionary framework; or a blended compromise.

Whatever decision emerges is expected to significantly shape the 2027 electoral process and influence public trust in Nigeria’s democratic system.