The Senate has been at loggerheads over the mode of transmission of election results by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The attempt by the red chamber to amend Clause 52 (3) of the new Electoral Act, which includes the electronic transmission of results as part of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill currently being read for a third time, has caused disarray amongst senators.
Passing of this amendment bill means that before Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can transmit election results electronically, Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) must declare national coverage adequate and secure, and National Assembly must approve.
However, the joint National Assembly Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters has recommended that INEC should reserve the power to transmit results by electronic means where applicable on the day of election.
Confusion and commotion followed, when the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan put the amends sought by Senator Sabi Abdullahi representing Niger North to voice vote and ruled in favour of the Niger Senator.
The action by Lawan fueled the anger of many senators, causing the Senate President to call for a closed session.
