Joash Amupitan, chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), says the electronic transmission of election results has not been rejected.
The INEC boss’s clarification comes amid growing public concern over the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, had announced that the passed electoral act amendment bill has retained the electronic transfer of election results as contained in the 2022 act.
This means that the amended act does not mandate that INEC transmit election results electronically in real time.
According to Amupitan, the National Assembly is still harmonising its positions, and the legislative process remains ongoing.
He spoke in a video posted on X on Saturday by African Independent Television (AIT), where he addressed voter apathy and the controversy surrounding the Electoral Act amendment.
Legislative Process Still Underway
Addressing claims that the rejection of electronic transmission has discouraged voters, Amupitan firmly rejected the narrative.
“Who said there is rejection?” he asked.
He explained that the Senate and the House of Representatives have adopted different positions, which they must reconcile before any final decision.
As a result, both chambers will convene to harmonise their views.
“When one house has said something and the other is saying something, they have to meet,” he said.
He added that the process would lead to concurrence through a conference committee.
“There is going to be a concurrence. There is going to be a conference where the whole issue will be harmonised.”
Voter Apathy Remains a Challenge
Meanwhile, Amupitan acknowledged that voter apathy continues to pose a serious challenge.
He pointed to the low turnout recorded in recent electoral exercises.
However, he said INEC has taken steps to address the trend.
Specifically, he said the ongoing voter registration exercise aims to increase participation and rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.
INEC, Parties Have Distinct Roles
In addition, Amupitan clarified the responsibilities of key stakeholders.
He said INEC remains responsible for civic education.
However, he stressed that voter mobilisation rests squarely with political parties.
“It is part of the responsibility of INEC to do civic education,” he said.
“However, it is not the responsibility of INEC to campaign to people. That responsibility lies with political parties.”
Ultimately, the INEC chairman urged all stakeholders to play their roles.
He also assured Nigerians that the commission will continue to carry out its constitutional duties as the country’s electoral umpire.
