Nigeria’s National Assembly (NASS) has approved electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections but retained manual collation as a backup, triggering protests, heated debates, and a walkout by opposition lawmakers.

Both chambers passed amendments allowing presiding officers to upload polling unit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). However, where electronic transmission fails due to network issues, the manually completed and signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary basis for collation and declaration.

Senate Division Over Clause 60

Tensions flared in the Senate over Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026.

Fifteen senators led by Enyinnaya Abaribe demanded a recorded vote, opposing the manual backup provision.

Despite their protest, 55 senators voted to retain the clause.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio described electronic transmission to IReV as a landmark innovation but insisted elections are decided at polling units, making properly signed result sheets critical.

House Minority Walks Out

In the House of Representatives, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout after accusing Speaker Tajudeen Abbas of forcing through the amendments.

Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda argued that electronic transmission should be mandatory and prevail over manual results in case of discrepancies.

Election Timeline Adjusted

Lawmakers also amended Clause 28, reducing the election notice period from 360 to 300 days, giving INEC flexibility in scheduling the 2027 polls.

Outside the National Assembly, protesters — including former minister Oby Ezekwesili — demanded mandatory real-time electronic transmission without exceptions.

With harmonisation underway, the debate over electronic transmission and manual backup is set to shape public trust in Nigeria’s 2027 elections.