Title: Electoral Act Amendment: Senate Says Lawmaking Requires Care, Not Impulse Date Published: 11 February 2026 Description: The Senate has defended its recent amendments to the Electoral Act, insisting that the process was thorough and guided by the national interest, not public theatrics. Senate Spokesman and Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said the lawmakers acted conscientiously to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.Speaking on Tuesday on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adaramodu stressed that legislative work demands patience and deep consideration. He dismissed criticisms trailing the amendment, noting that lawmaking is a serious exercise and not something done casually or to please a vocal minority.The Senate had earlier amended the Electoral Act to allow the electronic transmission of election results, while making provisions for possible technical challenges during elections. The amendment permits electronic transmission without insisting on real-time uploads.The decision marked a reversal of the Senate’s earlier position, which rejected compulsory electronic transmission of results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IREV). The initial stance had drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and other stakeholders.During an emergency plenary session on Tuesday, the upper chamber approved electronic transmission as part of the electoral process, but clarified that where internet connectivity fails, Form EC8A will remain the primary instrument for result collation.Defending the decision, Adaramodu said the Senate carried out extensive deliberations to avoid flaws that could undermine public trust in the electoral process. He emphasised that laws must be carefully crafted to withstand scrutiny and serve the long-term interest of democracy.The Senate spokesman added that the differing opinions generated by the amendment are a healthy sign of democratic growth, noting that vibrant democracies naturally accommodate diverse views and debates in the lawmaking process. Attached Images: e95e8e9e69e4f2364556e90db9a7a941d4b96c1fc75f97625a7fa5f20e69233d.jpg Attached Video: None