In a dramatic reversal that has electrified the ongoing debate over electoral reforms, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) has thrown her weight behind calls for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The lawmaker’s new stance marks a significant shift from the Senate’s recent move to delete the phrase “real-time” from the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2026, a decision that has sparked nationwide outrage and protests.
In a statement released on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Akpoti-Uduaghan declared that she could no longer ignore the yearnings of Nigerians for a transparent electoral process. She emphasized that removing the “real-time” clause would undermine public trust and the sanctity of the ballot.
“As I step into the Senate chamber today, I carry with me the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for stronger democratic safeguards enshrined in our laws.
“Real-time electronic transmission of election results is a critical step toward deepening transparency, preserving the sanctity of the people’s mandate, and restoring public confidence in our electoral process,” she wrote.
The Senator’s intervention comes amidst intense pressure on the National Assembly. Civil society groups, opposition figures, and youth organizations have laid siege to the National Assembly Complex in Abuja under the banner of “Occupy the National Assembly,” accusing lawmakers of attempting to rig the 2027 general elections in advance.
Critics argue that the Senate’s earlier decision to remove the explicit requirement for “real-time” transmission creates a loophole for manual collation and result manipulation, tactics often used to subvert the will of the voters.
Although the Senate has repeatedly clarified that it did not outlaw electronic transmission entirely, Akpoti-Uduaghan aligned herself with the protesters, insisting that ambiguity in the law is dangerous for democracy.
“Our democracy must continue to evolve with systems that ensure every vote truly counts and every voice is faithfully represented.
“Nigeria deserves elections that inspire trust, strengthen unity, and reflect the genuine will of the people,” she added.
Her declaration sets the stage for a tense session in the Red Chamber as Senators are expected to revisit the controversial clause following the public backlash.
With a prominent voice like Akpoti-Uduaghan now openly breaking ranks, pro-reform advocates are hopeful that the Senate will be forced to rescind its earlier decision and restore the clause that guarantees real-time transmission.
