The Nigerian Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary for Tuesday, February 10, 2026
The notice for the session, which did not indicate the agenda for discussion, indicated that the scheduled plenary follows a directive by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
In the notice, which was issued on Sunday, Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, said the session would be held at 12 pm.
“All distinguished senators are kindly requested to note this emergency sitting date and attend,” the notice read.
The emergency plenary is scheduled as debates continue over calls for the National Assembly to take another look at Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Amendment Act, which cites the electronic transmission of results during elections.
The Senate has maintained the provision in line the the Electoral Act 2022, which provides that results be transmitted “in a manner as prescribed by the commission,” while rejecting considerations on electronic transmission of results in real time.
On Wednesday, the senate retained the provision for the electronic transfer of election results as contained in the electoral act 2022.
However, the decision has provoked several reactions, with advocates insisting that the proposed recommendation be incorporated.
On Sunday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a statement, expressed concern over the stance of the Senate, regarding the latter’s position on electronic transmission of election results.
The statement, signed by Joe Ajaero, NLC President, noted that the Senate must take a clear position on the matter and align with democratic principles.
“This lack of clarity undermines public trust and is deeply troubling for our democracy. The Nigerian people deserve a transparent electoral process where their votes are not only counted but seen to be counted. We urge the Senate to provide an immediate, official, and unambiguous account of its proceedings and final decisions,” the statement read.
“Public records suggest the proposed amendment to mandate INEC to transmit results electronically in real-time was not adopted, with the existing discretionary provision retained. This has’ generated nationwide apprehension, and subsequent explanations have only added to the confusion. At a critical juncture following the 2023 elections, such legislative ambiguity risks institutionalising doubt at the heart of our electoral integrity and echoes past controversies that have caused national distress.
“Therefore, the NLC demands immediate clarity and transparency. The Senate must issue a definitive statement on the exact provisions passed, clarifying the final wording and rationale. The National Assembly leadership must also ensure the harmonisation process produces a final bill with crystal-clear provisions; any ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results is a disservice to our democracy.
“We call on the Senate to restore legislative credibility by ensuring its processes are transparent and its outcomes clear. The amended Act must provide an unambiguous mandate for INEC to electronically transmit and collate results from polling units in real-time. The path to the 2027 elections must be built on certainty, not confusion.
“Nigerian workers and citizens are watching closely. The NLC is working within its networks to advocate for clarity and integrity. We will not stand by while the trusts of Nigerians are betrayed again and the clarity of our electoral laws compromised.
“Failure to add electronic transmission real-time will lead to mass action before, during and after the election or total boycott of the Election. Our nation must choose the path of clarity and integrity. We need to avoid the same confusion that trailed the new Tax Acts. The time for honest, people-focused legislation is now.”
