The Senate has announced an emergency plenary sitting for Tuesday following growing public criticism over its recent passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, particularly its decision to reject a clause mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The development was disclosed on Sunday in a statement signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, directing all senators to reconvene.
“The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has directed the reconvening of plenary for an emergency sitting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026,” the statement read.
According to the notice, the session will commence at 12 noon.
Labour Threatens Protests, Boycott
The announcement comes amid warnings from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over what it described as contradictory signals from the Senate regarding amendments to the Electoral Act, particularly on electronic transmission of results.
In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed concern over what it termed legislative ambiguity.
“Nigerians deserve a transparent system where votes are not only counted but seen to be counted,” the statement read.
The labour union demanded clear clarification on the exact provisions passed, warning that failure to make electronic transmission mandatory could trigger nationwide protests before, during and after elections, or even lead to a boycott.
Activists Plan “Occupy NASS”
A coalition operating under the banner of the Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) also criticised the removal of mandatory electronic transmission from the proposed 2026 amendment.
The group described the move as a threat to electoral integrity and announced plans for a protest tagged “Occupy NASS,” scheduled to hold in Abuja on Monday.
In a statement signed by James Ezema, the coalition said rejecting mandatory electronic transmission could undermine confidence in the 2027 general elections.
Prominent members of the coalition include Ayuba Wabba, Usman Bugaje, Femi Falana, Oby Ezekwesili, Pat Utomi and Shehu Sani, among others.
The coalition insisted that mandatory electronic transmission is essential to safeguarding the electoral process and called for its reinstatement in the bill.
What the Amendment Changed
The Senate passed the amendment bill on February 4 but voted against Clause 60(3), which sought to compel presiding officers to electronically transmit election results directly from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) portal in real time.
Instead, lawmakers retained the existing provision, which allows electronic transmission only after results have been counted and publicly announced at polling units.
Civil society organisations and opposition figures have described the decision as a setback to electoral reform efforts.
However, Akpabio has defended the Senate’s position, stating that the chamber did not reject electronic transmission outright and would not be pressured.
Conference Committee to Harmonise Bill
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives’ bipartisan conference committee is expected to meet with its Senate counterpart to harmonise differences in the versions of the bill passed by both chambers.
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A member of the committee, Saidu Abdullahi, representing Bida/Gbako/Katcha Federal Constituency of Niger State, confirmed that discussions would take place within the week.
The harmonisation process is part of legislative procedure aimed at resolving areas of disagreement before final passage by the National Assembly.
Afenifere Joins Criticism
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation Afenifere also urged the joint committee to adopt mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results.
In a statement signed by its leader, Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the group warned that failure to strengthen technology-driven reforms could weaken public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Afenifere argued that leaving electronic transmission optional exposes the electoral system to potential manipulation and referenced judicial interpretations of the Electoral Act 2022, noting that electronic transmission was not previously mandatory because it was not expressly codified.
Growing Tensions Ahead of 2027
The controversy has renewed debate over the need for clearer legal provisions following disputes surrounding result uploads during the 2023 general elections.
Stakeholders maintain that explicit legislative backing for real-time electronic transmission would enhance transparency, strengthen public confidence and reduce post-election disputes.
With protests planned and pressure mounting from labour unions, civil society groups and political actors, Tuesday’s emergency plenary is expected to address concerns surrounding the amendment bill and provide further clarity on the Senate’s position.
