Fresh Controversy Erupts Over Alleged Revisions to Senate’s Electoral Amendment Bill

Nigeria’s Senate has come under renewed criticism following claims that parts of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill were changed after lawmakers had already approved it. The controversy centers on provisions dealing with how election results should be transmitted, raising concerns about transparency ahead of future national polls.

Some insiders and civic groups allege that sections originally designed to enforce compulsory electronic transmission of results were adjusted in the later version of the bill. According to them, the revised wording makes electronic transmission less binding, which they say could create room for disputes during result collation.

The reported adjustments have triggered reactions from labour organisations, election observers, and advocacy groups, many of whom are demanding clarification from the National Assembly. Several stakeholders argue that any uncertainty in the law could weaken public trust in the electoral system.