Senate Moves To Enforce Electronic Transmission Of Election Results, Prisoner Voting Rights, And Stricter Offence Penalties

 

The Nigerian Senate has taken a major step toward reshaping the country’s electoral landscape as it passed for second reading a bill seeking to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and replace it with a new Electoral Act 2025. A key highlight of the proposed legislation is the compulsory electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections, a move designed to tackle the technical and credibility concerns that trailed the 2023 polls.

Senator Simon Lalong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, presented the general principles of the bill, emphasizing the need to strengthen the nation’s electoral process by fixing the shortcomings observed during previous elections. He stated that the new law would restore public confidence, ensure transparency, and deepen democratic governance in Nigeria.

The proposal introduces sweeping changes across electoral operations, party primaries, and campaign regulations. One of the most significant amendments seeks to alter Section 60 (5) of the 2022 Electoral Act. The new section clearly mandates that presiding officers transmit results both electronically and manually, including the total number of accredited voters, to the next level of collation. This marks a departure from the ambiguous wording of the 2022 law that left transmission methods to the discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Lawmakers also proposed that presidential and governorship elections be conducted not later than 185 days before the expiration of the incumbent’s tenure. This adjustment effectively shifts the next general elections to around November 2026, several months earlier than the traditional February or March timeline. Elections for legislative positions at both national and state levels would follow the same schedule.

Additional provisions in the draft bill extend voting rights to inmates, requiring INEC to register eligible prisoners, and introduce digital voter identification through QR-coded voter cards. The legislation equally proposes mandatory early voting, the inclusion of National Identification Numbers (NIN) as a voter registration requirement, and tougher sanctions for electoral offences. Offenders who falsify results, obstruct officials, or engage in malpractice could face mandatory prison sentences.

Efforts to enhance internal party democracy are also reflected in the bill’s recognition of statutory delegates during primaries and its plan to expand delegate representation frameworks for indirect primaries. Financial accountability is another key reform area, as INEC would be mandated to conduct annual audits within six months of each financial year. Campaign financing rules would be updated to reflect the prevailing economic environment, with higher spending and donation limits introduced.

The legislative process surrounding the bill has, however, sparked controversy over procedure. Debate on the proposed amendment was initially suspended after some lawmakers questioned why a public hearing had been held before the second reading. Senator Binos Yaroe of Adamawa South argued that the sequence contradicted standard legislative practice, where public hearings usually follow the second reading. Senate President Godswill Akpabio subsequently directed that the bill be stepped down for further consultation before it returned to the floor for renewed debate and eventual approval at the second reading.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe later clarified that another public hearing would still be required before the bill proceeds to third reading. Similarly, Senator Ali Ndume urged citizens to participate actively in the upcoming hearing, noting that public engagement would ensure the new law truly reflects the people’s will.

During plenary, Senate President Akpabio underscored that INEC must be held fully accountable for the conduct and integrity of elections, arguing that the commission should bear the burden of proving that its processes comply with the law in electoral disputes. He further remarked that the nation’s elections have improved since 2015 and pledged that the current Senate would deliver an Electoral Act that guarantees credibility and fairness.

Several lawmakers contributed diverse perspectives on the bill. Senator Abdul Ningi described it as an effort to bridge credibility gaps and promote fairness, while Senator Adamu Aliero called for corrections to the 2022 law that excluded certain elected officials from serving as party delegates. Senator Olalere Oyewunmi urged the imposition of stronger penalties against electoral offenders, including security agents and INEC staff who compromise their duties. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu emphasized the need to clearly define the roles of security agencies on election day, while Senator Adams Oshiomhole warned against conducting all elections on a single day, citing potential risks if technical failures occur.

Political observers have welcomed the amendment, particularly the section mandating electronic transmission of results. Bernard Mikko, a political scientist and former legislator, said that while the innovation was promising, its success would depend on sincerity and integrity within INEC and political parties. Another analyst, Jackson Lekan Ojo, described the reform as a timely step that could restore voter confidence and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele assured that the entire amendment process would be concluded by December 2025, giving INEC enough time to implement the new framework before the 2027 elections. As deliberations continue, Nigerians await a more transparent, technology-driven, and accountable electoral system that could redefine the credibility of future polls.