The Senate will today (Tuesday) hold an emergency plenary session following widespread public backlash over the amendments to the Electoral Act, especially the removal of the provision requiring real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The sitting comes days after the passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, 2026, and amid sustained criticism from civil society groups, opposition parties, labour unions, professional bodies, regional stakeholders, and youth-led groups who have staged protests at the National Assembly.
The emergency plenary, which is expected to be presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, will have 105 senators in attendance.
The reconvening was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, who disclosed that the leadership of the upper chamber approved the extraordinary session.
“The president of the Senate has approved an emergency plenary sitting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026,” the statement said.
Proceedings are expected to begin at 12 noon.
Public outrage intensified after lawmakers amended the Electoral Act by removing the term “real-time” from sections dealing with the electronic transmission of election results.
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Critics argue that the change could weaken transparency and create opportunities for manipulation after polls.
Sources at the National Assembly disclosed that some senators, particularly those involved in the harmonisation process, came under severe public pressure after their contact details circulated online.
The development reportedly triggered a barrage of hostile messages, threats, and calls, forcing some lawmakers to switch off their phones.
“Many of the reactions were aggressive. Some callers questioned their conscience and accused them of undermining democracy,” a source said.
Although Senate leaders have maintained that electronic transmission was not entirely discarded, skepticism has persisted, with many Nigerians insisting that the absence of a clear real-time requirement undermines electoral credibility.
