From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
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Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, who represents Abia North, on Tuesday restated his firm support for the electronic transmission of election results, while expressing disappointment over what he described as the misrepresentation of his views through the circulation of an old video recorded about five years ago.
Kalu spoke shortly after the Senate held an emergency plenary to further amend the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Addressing journalists, the former Abia State governor said he fully supports the electronic transfer of results from polling units nationwide. He explained that the revised Clause 60(3) empowers presiding officers to transmit results electronically once Form EC8A has been properly completed, signed and stamped at the polling unit.
According to him, electronic transmission will serve as the primary method wherever the required technology is available and functional. However, in situations where it fails or cannot be deployed, the signed Form EC8A will remain the valid basis for collation and declaration.
Kalu described the arrangement as a practical balance that promotes transparency and credibility while ensuring that voters in areas with poor network coverage are not left out of the democratic process.
“Our democracy must work for every Nigerian, regardless of location,” he said.
The senator’s media office also reacted to a viral video suggesting he opposed electronic transmission. It clarified that the footage dates back to proceedings of the 9th Senate in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which explains why lawmakers in the clip were wearing face masks.
“At no time in the 10th Senate—during hearings, plenary or closed-door meetings—has Senator Orji Kalu opposed electronic transmission of election results,” the statement said, adding that he and many of his colleagues across party lines have consistently supported the provision in the law.
Speaking further, Kalu maintained that the current Senate has largely aligned in favour of electronic transmission. He noted that earlier debates years ago reflected the technological and logistical limitations at the time, including inadequate infrastructure and power supply, but circumstances have since evolved.
Tuesday’s plenary saw lawmakers revisit Clause 60(3) after earlier disagreements over proposals to make real-time upload compulsory. After extensive deliberations, the Senate agreed that results can be transmitted electronically once the EC8A form is duly signed. Where electronic transmission is not feasible, the signed document will remain the authoritative source.
While the amendment stops short of imposing mandatory real-time transmission, lawmakers said it reinforces transparency and strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
