Emergency Senate Sitting begins in Abuja as lawmakers face pressure over the controversial electronic transmission clause in the Electoral Act amendment

Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Tuesday began arriving at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja for an emergency sitting over the contentious real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Also read: Abuja Court strikes out criminal charges against Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan

The emergency Senate sitting follows widespread public outcry over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, particularly the Senate’s decision to remove a clause mandating the real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units.

The Senate had announced last week that it would reconvene for an urgent session on Tuesday to address issues arising from the proposed amendment, which has triggered protests and intense political debate nationwide.

The development comes amid mounting pressure from civil society organisations and opposition figures, including former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who have both joined protests at the National Assembly demanding the reinstatement of the clause.

Demonstrators argue that removing explicit language on real-time transmission weakens electoral transparency and opens the process to manipulation, a concern that has resonated strongly with sections of the public.

Video footage circulating on social media showed lawmakers arriving under heightened security as protesters continued to gather outside the complex, underscoring the tense atmosphere surrounding the legislative process.

Also read: Court upholds suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The emergency Senate sitting is expected to determine whether lawmakers will reconsider the disputed provision or maintain their current position, a decision widely seen as pivotal to public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.