The Senate on Wednesday rejected proposals for the electronic transmission of election results and a 10-year ban on vote buyers and other electoral offenders, as it amended key provisions of the Electoral Act during clause-by-clause consideration.
On the mode of result management, lawmakers voted against electronic transmission of results, opting instead to retain electronic transfer as provided under the Electoral Act, 2022. Senators said the distinction was necessary to avoid legal and operational ambiguities.
The upper chamber also voted to expunge a provision recommending a decade-long disqualification from contesting elections for individuals convicted of vote buying and related offences, arguing that the sanction was excessively punitive.
The rejected clause formed part of amendments proposed by the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, which had recommended that “with respect to vote buying, the sanctions shall range from a fine of ₦5 million to a two-year imprisonment and a 10-year ban from contesting elections.”
Opposing the provision, Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong described the proposed ban as “too grievous” and disproportionate to the offence. He was supported by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Senate President, who argued that while vote buying must attract stiff punishment, the sanctions must remain reasonable and enforceable.
Consequently, the Senate resolved that offenders should face a fine of ₦5 million or a term of two years’ imprisonment, without the additional 10-year ban from electoral participation.
The Senate also approved a reduction in the electoral timetable, resolving that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should issue notices of election at least 180 days before polling day, instead of the 360 days prescribed under the existing law.
Similarly, lawmakers approved that the nomination of candidates should close 90 days before an election.
The chamber further retained the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) for voter accreditation and affirmed the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) as the sole means of voter identification at polling units.
The amendments form part of ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to review Nigeria’s electoral framework ahead of future general elections.