By Our Correspondent
Despite the misgivings and uproar that followed debates over electronic transmission of election results in both chambers of the National Assembly, President Bola Tinubu has gone ahead to sign the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 into law.
The signing, which took place on Tuesday at about 5:00 p.m. at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, was witnessed by principal officers of the National Assembly, according to Channels Television.
Earlier in the day, proceedings in the Senate and the House of Representatives were marked by tension as lawmakers clashed over key provisions of the bill, particularly the electronic transmission of election results. The debate drew sharp reactions across party lines, with some members voicing strong reservations.
However, the National Assembly eventually approved electronic transmission of election results, while retaining manual collation as a backup mechanism — a compromise seen as an attempt to balance technological advancement with operational safeguards.
With presidential assent now secured, the new law sets the legal framework for next year’s general elections, effectively cementing the use of technology in the electoral process.
For lawmakers and political actors who vehemently opposed aspects of the bill, the development may narrow their legislative options to challenge the reform, leaving judicial interpretation or future amendments as possible recourse. Politically, the move could heighten scrutiny of the electoral umpire and raise the stakes for transparency in the coming elections.
As the country prepares for the polls next year, the implementation of electronic transmission — alongside manual backup — will likely test both the credibility of the electoral system and the confidence of voters, potentially shaping public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process for years to come.