Amanze Chinonye
Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Heebah Kingibe, has clarified that the ongoing Electoral Reform Bill before the National Assembly has not jettisoned key proposed reforms, particularly the electronic transmission of election results, contrary to widespread public speculation.
In a statement issued on Friday, Kingibe, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, said the bill remains a work in progress and is yet to be finalised, stressing that the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives is still pending.
According to her, the electoral reform process, which began in 2024, involved extensive public hearings and policy retreats conducted by a joint committee of both chambers of the National Assembly, with active participation from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and several civil society organisations serving as technical partners.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelShe explained that the committee’s report, produced after months of consultations and debates, was anchored on three core pillars: mandatory electronic transmission of election results and real-time upload to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV); formal recognition of direct, indirect and consensus party primaries; and clearly defined electoral timelines that work for INEC, political parties and voters.
Kingibe disclosed that when the report was presented to the Senate, an ad hoc committee was constituted to review it, adding that its recommendations were largely consistent with the original proposals. She noted that about 85 per cent of senators supported electronic transmission of election results.
She described as inaccurate claims that the Senate had rejected the reforms or reverted entirely to the provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act. While acknowledging that the 2022 Act referenced “transfer” of results, Kingibe said the committees explicitly recommended that INEC “shall electronically transmit results and upload them to IREV in real time,” adding that the proposed amendments remain part of the legislative process.
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The senator further explained that although the bill has passed third reading in the Senate, a correspondence committee has been constituted to harmonise differences between the Senate and House versions before a final bill can emerge.
Reaffirming her commitment to credible electoral reforms, Kingibe urged Nigerians to remain calm but vigilant, encouraging citizens to engage their lawmakers and demand transparency throughout the process.
“The final outcome must reflect the will of the people,” she said, stressing that the reforms are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring transparent and credible elections.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
