Why The Noise? Akpabio Fires Back At Senate Critics Over Electoral Act

According to Ireporter Online, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has criticised Nigerians who have faulted the National Assembly over the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act, insisting that the legislative process remains incomplete.

Akpabio made the remarks on Saturday at the public presentation of “The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria,” a book authored by Senator Effiong Bob, held at the NAF Centre in Abuja. He stated that the Senate would not succumb to intimidation, stressing that lawmakers are committed to producing an Electoral Act that genuinely strengthens Nigeria’s democracy.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act, the Senate President described the backlash as premature, noting that the amendment process had not been concluded. He explained that critical stages such as harmonisation, as well as the consideration and approval of votes and proceedings, were still pending.

Akpabio said lawmakers retain the right to propose changes before the final approval of the votes and proceedings, adding that it was inappropriate for critics to condemn the Senate over a process that was still ongoing. He expressed concern over what he described as relentless public attacks, particularly through television discussions, despite the amendment not having been finalised.

He further emphasised that the Senate would act in Nigeria’s best interest rather than bowing to pressure from specific interest groups, clarifying that agreements reached outside the formal legislative process do not automatically translate into law.

Providing insight into recent deliberations, Akpabio explained that the Senate only proposed removing the phrase “real-time” to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the flexibility to determine the most suitable mode of transmitting election results. He warned that making real-time transmission mandatory could lead to serious challenges in areas with poor network coverage or power supply, potentially jeopardising elections in parts of the country.

He added that the amendment process remains open, with opportunities for further input through the conference committee and final approval of votes and proceedings. According to him, technology should serve as a tool to safeguard democracy, not one that could undermine it due to infrastructural limitations.