Akpabio Defends Senate's Rejection of Mandatory Electronic Transmission of Election Results.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the Senate's decision to reject mandatory electronic transmission of election results, stating that the move was not a rejection of electronic transmission itself, but rather a decision to remove the "real-time" requirement. Akpabio explained that this decision was made to avoid potential legal disputes arising from technical or network failures, and to give the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) flexibility in determining the mode of result transmission. 

Akpabio emphasized that electronic transmission of results remains permissible, and that the Senate has retained the provision as contained in the 2022 Electoral Act. He urged critics to understand that the decision was taken to avoid ambiguity and ensure that election results are not invalidated due to network failures. 

The decision has sparked controversy, with some critics arguing that it undermines electoral transparency and leaves room for manipulation. The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed concern over the Senate's decision, stating that it weakens the legal foundation for transparent elections.