Ireti Kingibe, senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), says the Senate did not reject key electoral reforms, including the electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, Kingibe dismissed claims that the Senate reverted to the 2022 Electoral Act, describing them as inaccurate.
She said about 85 percent of senators backed electronic transmission of results during deliberations on the Electoral Reform Bill.
Bill Went Through Extensive Process
Kingibe said the national assembly has worked on the Electoral Reform Bill since 2024 through what she described as an intensive and inclusive process.
She said a joint committee of the Senate and the House of Representatives conducted public hearings and policy retreats across the period.
According to her, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) participated actively, while civil society organisations served as technical partners throughout the process.
Three Pillars of the Reform
Kingibe said the committee anchored its report on three major pillars.
She said the bill mandates electronic transmission of election results and real-time upload to the INEC result viewing portal (IREV) to strengthen transparency, credibility and public trust.
She added that the report recognises three modes of party primaries — direct, indirect and consensus — within a clearly regulated framework.
Kingibe also said the bill establishes clear election timelines that work for INEC, political actors and voters.
Senate Review Backed Report
When the report reached the Senate, Kingibe said lawmakers constituted an ad hoc committee to review it.
She said the committee largely upheld the original recommendations.
Notably, she said about 85 percent of senators supported the electronic transmission of results.
Senate did not Return to 2022 Act
Kingibe said reports suggesting that the upper chamber rejected the reforms or returned to the 2022 Electoral Act were misleading.
She explained that while the 2022 Act used the term “transfer” of results, the committees explicitly recommended that INEC shall electronically transmit results and upload them to IREV in real time.
She said the proposed amendments were properly documented and remain part of the legislative process.
Harmonisation not Concluded
Kingibe said the Senate and the House of Representatives have not concluded the harmonisation of both versions of the bill.
She said lawmakers have constituted a correspondence committee to align the two versions into a single final document.
Although the bill has passed third reading, she said the national assembly is yet to finalise the harmonised version.
Kingibe Urges Public Engagement
Kingibe said the electoral reform process aims to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and deliver credible elections.
She urged Nigerians to remain calm but stay actively engaged.
She also asked citizens to hold their representatives accountable and demand transparency.
“We are your representatives. We are your voice,” she said, adding that the final law must reflect the will of the people.
