By Amos Obinna
Some residents of Anambra State have expressed mixed reactions to the removal of the “real-time” phrase from the electronic transmission of results in the Electoral Act 2026, recently passed by the Nigerian Senate.
While some described the development as unfortunate and likely to discourage voter participation, others believe the Senate acted in the best interest of their constituents.
The repealed Electoral Act 2022 Amendment Bill 2026 initially included a clause for real-time transmission of election results, but the Senate removed it during passage, sparking concerns about transparency and electoral integrity.
Prince Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra State Civil Society Network, said real-time result transmission reduces opportunities for manipulation, strengthens public trust, and limits post-election disputes. He warned that leaving the process to INEC’s discretion weakens accountability.
Legal practitioner Mr. Joseph Aghanti argued that the Senate’s decision favored personal interests over the electorate, questioning why other sectors rely on real-time technology while elections would not.
Mrs. Ugochi Ehieahuruike of the Social and Integral Development Centre said the removal undermines efforts to improve electoral credibility, describing it as a setback from lessons learned during the 2023 elections.
APGA Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Okpara, urged Nigerians to hold their Senators accountable, while acknowledging that the Senate acted to prevent technological or legal challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the removal was intended to give INEC flexibility in transmitting results, considering network and security challenges, and to avoid potential legal disputes.
