Intrigues as National Assembly conference committee meets
Ahead of the proposed meeting of the Conference Committee on Electoral Act on Monday, both chambers of the National Assembly have intensified lobby to get their version of the proposed
Ahead of the proposed meeting of the Conference Committee on Electoral Act on Monday, both chambers of the National Assembly have intensified lobby to get their version of the proposed clause 60(3) which deals with electronic transmission of election results adopted.
While the House of Representatives approved real-time transmission of election results from polling unit to IReV, the Senate also approved it but deleted the word “real time” and added a proviso that if communication network fails, the Form EC8A would be used for collation and declaration of results.
Investigation revealed that while the 12 House members in the 24 member committee are standing on the version passed by the House, the Senate team would want the Senate’s version adopted.
Moreover, an opposition Senator has openly aligned with the House by calling on the conference committee to adopt the version of Clause 60(3) on real time electronic transmission of election results to IReV.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja during the week, following controversy over divergent provisions passed by the Senate and the House, Senator Seriake Dickson, said: “So what I’m here to say to you all and to Nigerians is to call on the conference committee members to go into that conference and adopt the House version. You should adopt the House version in its entirety.”
He said the House version reflected the consensus reached by joint committees of the National Assembly, consultants and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“That version was what the joint committees and all of us, consultants and even INEC itself assured us at the community interaction level of their capacity to transmit electronically,” he said.
In the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, Clause 60(3) regulates how results from polling units are transmitted and collated.
The House of Representatives version mandates electronic transmission of results from polling units in real time, making e-transmission compulsory.
The Senate version, although it also adopted electronic transmission, introduced a proviso allowing manual transmission where technology fails, raising concerns among stakeholders about potential manipulation.
Dickson criticised the Senate proviso, saying it weakened the clarity and potency of the agreed framework.
“A very crucial clause… was deliberated upon and agreed unanimously at the joint committee level but was rejected and instead a similar clause with less potency and clarity in the previous law was brought back,” he said.
He warned that manual transmission could create loopholes for electoral manipulation.
“Manipulation of election results and the distortion of the mandates of the people occurs not only at the polling stations but crucially more at the collation centres,” he said.
Dickson said electronic transmission would ensure transparency by making results publicly available immediately after polling.
“Once the polls close the figures are already there on the IReV. That’s very important and that’s why the issue of electronic transmission being mandatory everybody is talking about it,” he said.
He urged INEC to acquire and deploy the necessary technology if the law mandates electronic transmission.
“It is the duty of INEC to ensure that appropriate technology is acquired and deployed to make it happen across the country,” he said.
The senator called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue pushing for electoral reforms.
“Nigerians should not give up on our democracy… The fight for cleaner and freer elections must continue,” he said.
He added that the Conference Committee should restore public confidence by adopting the House version.
“My call is for the conference members to restore the integrity and faith in the electoral system and in the National Assembly by voting for the House version,” he said.
The House of Representatives has however summoned an emergency meeting for Tuesday to discuss the Electoral Act in view of the timetable and schedule of elections released by INEC in compliance with the 2022 Electoral Act.
A member of the House Committee on Electoral Matters who would not want his name in print said the House was moving for the adoption of its recommended clauses in the Electoral Act including the controversial clause 60 (3).
House Spokesman, Akintunde Rotimi said the emergency sitting will review matters arising from the recent announcement of the 2027 General Election timetable by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as the constitutional and national significance of the development and the need for timely legislative consideration.
He said “the emergency sitting reflects the resolve of the House to respond promptly to issues with far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic process. Deliberations will focus on relevant legislative matters connected to the announcement, in line with the constitutional responsibilities of the National Assembly.
“All legislative business relating to the matter is expected to be addressed expeditiously. Members have been strongly advised to prioritise attendance, given the importance of the issues under consideration.
“The House remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through responsive and responsible lawmaking, and acting in the best interest of Nigerians on all matters.’
Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said even though the bill has sparked important discussions and concerns among various stakeholders in the nation’s democracy, the commission recognises the necessity of enhancing the electoral framework to ensure that it meets the ever-evolving needs of society and reflects the aspirations for free, fair, and credible elections.
He said “it is imperative to note that while we are eager to adopt any amendments that may strengthen our electoral processes, we must also act in accordance with the existing provisions of the Electoral Act.
“As an independent electoral body, we are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that our actions are guided by the established legal framework. The timely announcement of the election date is a critical step in this process, allowing our stakeholders—political parties, civil society organisations, and the electorate—to prepare adequately for the elections.
“As we move forward, INEC remains dedicated to engaging with all stakeholders to foster a transparent dialogue regarding the proposed amendments. We believe that collaboration and open communication are essential in shaping an electoral system that serves the interests of all Nigerians”.
Apart from the issue of transmission of results where the House and the Senate holds different views, they also hold different views on the time to release the timetable and schedule of activities for election.
The 2022 Electoral Act stipulates that the date should be announced not later than 360 days to the scheduled date of election, but while the House uphold this position, the Senate reduced it to 180 days.
