The controversy surrounding recent changes to Nigeria’s Electoral Act has pushed the Senate into urgent action, with Senate President Godswill Akpabio calling an emergency sitting scheduled for Tuesday, February 9. The move follows widespread criticism over the Senate’s refusal to approve real-time electronic transmission of election results, a decision that has drawn sharp reactions from political leaders, civil society groups, and labour unions.

Several prominent Nigerians, including former Senate President David Mark, human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), former minister Oby Ezekwesili, economist Pat Utomi, and Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leaders, have openly opposed the Senate’s stance. The NLC, in particular, urged lawmakers to clearly empower the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit and collate results electronically from polling units, arguing that transparency is critical ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to a notice issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, senators were recalled mainly to approve the Votes and Proceedings of the last sitting. This procedural step is necessary to allow the conference committee on the Electoral Act Amendments Bill to begin work. Lawmakers hinted that discussions may initially take place behind closed doors due to the political tension surrounding electronic transmission of results.

Despite concerns raised by Akpabio about poor infrastructure in rural areas, critics insist that the law should permit electronic transmission and leave implementation decisions to INEC. Political observers believe the emergency session could shape the future of Nigeria’s electoral reforms and determine whether public pressure will influence the final version of the amended Electoral Act.