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Nigeria’s Senate has again endorsed electronic transmission of election results but retained manual collation as a backup, following a heated debate over Clause 60 of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026.
Fabian
During Tuesday’s plenary, 55 senators voted to keep the controversial manual fallback provision, while 15 lawmakers led by Enyinnaya Abaribe opposed it.
Tense Debate Over Clause 60
The disagreement centered on Clause 60, which addresses the transmission and collation of election results. Abaribe demanded a formal division on the clause, sparking a rowdy session. He had attempted a similar move during the previous week’s emergency sitting but withdrew it amid pressure.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended Abaribe’s right to call for a division, urging colleagues to remain calm.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio reminded lawmakers that Abaribe had earlier withdrawn a similar request, a remark that drew objections from opposition senators.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, citing Order 52(6) of the Senate Standing Orders, argued that revisiting an already decided matter would be out of order. The exchange further heightened tensions, with a brief confrontation reportedly occurring between senators on the floor.
Bamidele, however, clarified that he had already moved a motion for rescission, effectively nullifying earlier decisions on the bill and reopening debate on its provisions.
Majority Retains Manual Backup
After heated exchanges, Akpabio called for a vote.
Fifty-five senators supported retaining the manual backup clause in Clause 60(3), while Abaribe and 14 others voted against it.
Under the amended provision, polling unit results must be uploaded electronically to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV). However, where technological failures or network disruptions occur, the manually completed and signed Form EC8A will serve as the legally binding basis for collation and declaration of results.
Rescission Over 2027 Election Date
Before the division, the Senate rescinded its earlier passage of the bill and recommitted it to the Committee of the Whole for fresh consideration.
Bamidele explained that the motion followed concerns arising from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s announcement fixing the 2027 general elections for February 2027. According to him, stakeholders raised issues about possible conflicts with statutory timelines and inclusiveness, particularly with the election period coinciding with Ramadan.
He also cited drafting discrepancies affecting several clauses, including numbering inconsistencies and cross-referencing errors, which necessitated a technical review.
The rescission voided all prior legislative actions on the bill, allowing reconsideration from scratch. Despite the renewed scrutiny, the Senate maintained its position on electronic transmission with manual fallback.
Aftermath
Following the vote, some dissenting lawmakers reportedly staged a walkout. Civil society groups and youth movements have continued protests at the National Assembly complex, warning against any legislative steps that could undermine electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 polls.
In his closing remarks, Akpabio commended both sides for their participation, describing electronic transmission as a major innovation that enables observers to monitor results without being physically present at polling units.
However, he did not clarify whether the 2027 presidential election date might be adjusted, leaving room for continued speculation.
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National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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JUST IN: After Primary Election Victory, Shehu Sani Visits Parents’ Graves to Offer Prayers and Express Gratitude to God
Following his victory in the party primary election, Senator Shehu Sani visited the graves of his parents to pray and give thanks to Almighty God.
The former senator described the visit as very important to him, noting that his parents played a significant role in his upbringing and in shaping his political life.
Shehu Sani prayed for Allah to forgive his parents and all deceased Muslims, while also reaffirming his commitment to continue serving the people with honesty and integrity after securing victory in the primaries.
The gesture has attracted attention from his supporters and social media users, many of whom praised his act of remembering his parents after a political success.
Uncategorized
National Trail Mourns Pioneer Editor, Abdulazeez Suleiman
Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihir-Raji’un.
The Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of , Hon. Inuwa Bwala, on behalf of the management and staff, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran journalist and pioneer editor of the newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman.
Bwala also extended condolences to Suleiman’s family, associates and the Nigerian media industry, describing his passing as a monumental loss at a time his experience, courage and service to the nation were still greatly needed.
Suleiman reportedly died shortly before a scheduled surgery.
A pioneer editor of National Trail Newspaper, Abdulazeez Suleiman was regarded as a thoroughbred journalist with a remarkable talent for breaking exclusive stories and shaping public discourse through responsible journalism.
Throughout his distinguished career, he worked with notable media organisations, including National Trail Newspaper, Daily Trust, Summit and The Road. He earned widespread admiration for fearless reporting, ethical conduct and unwavering commitment to professionalism.
His writings and public interventions consistently reflected deep concern for justice, peace, accountability and national unity.
Beyond journalism, Suleiman was widely respected as a bridge-builder who strongly believed in dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse peoples. He remained steadfast in his conviction that truth and justice are essential pillars for national progress.
Though his voice has now gone silent, the values and ideals he stood for will continue to inspire generations. His legacy as a principled journalist, advocate and patriot will endure in the hearts of many whose lives he touched through his work and humanity.
The management and staff of National Trail Newspaper prayed Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him Aljannatul Firdaus and comfort his family, friends, colleagues and members of the in this moment of grief.
Rest in peace, Abdulazeez Suleiman. Your service and legacy will not be forgotten.
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