Akpabio defends removal of “real-time” clause as David Mark warns senate against speaking for INEC

Senate President Godswill Akpabio and former Senate President David Mark have taken opposing positions over the Senate’s handling of the electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026.

The disagreement follows the senate’s decision to strike out the phrase “real time” from the clause on electronic transmission of results — a move that has drawn criticism from opposition figures and civil society groups.

Akpabio: real-time requirement could invalidate results

Speaking in Abuja at the launch of The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, a book by former senator Effiong Bob, Akpabio said the senate acted to prevent future legal and logistical complications.

According to him, insisting on real-time transmission could expose election outcomes to legal challenges in areas affected by poor network coverage, insecurity, or power outages.

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He said the amendment does not prohibit electronic transmission, but instead allows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discretion to determine the timing and method of result transmission based on prevailing conditions.

Akpabio argued that rigid wording could render results invalid if transmission delays occur due to factors beyond the control of electoral officials.

Mark: Lawmakers should not decide for INEC

Responding to Akpabio’s position, David Mark said the national assembly should refrain from pre-empting INEC’s operational capacity.

He argued that it is the responsibility of the electoral commission — not lawmakers — to determine whether real-time electronic transmission is feasible.

Mark said public demand is clearly in favour of electronic transmission and warned that legislative caution should not weaken electoral transparency.

According to him, if INEC lacks the capacity to transmit results in real time, it should publicly state so rather than have the limitation written into law.