This decision aims to tackle the long-standing issues regarding transparency in Nigeria’s electoral processes. During the detailed examination of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2025, the lawmakers approved Clause 60(3).
The green chamber stated, “The presiding officer shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the IReV portal in real time, and this transmission shall occur after the prescribed form EC8A has been signed and stamped by the presiding officer and/or countersigned by the candidates or polling unit agents, if available at the polling unit.”
This amendment clarifies previous uncertainties, as the 2022 Act had made transmission optional according to INEC guidelines.
This initiative is viewed as a direct response to the issues and delays encountered with the IReV portal during the 2023 elections.
Additionally, the House has solidified the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) as the main accreditation method under Clause 47(2).
It was stated that if BVAS malfunctions without a replacement, elections in the affected units must be canceled, with a new election held within 24 hours if the results could significantly impact the constituency outcome.
Committee Chairman Adebayo Balogun commended the amendments for enhancing the 2022 Act while addressing existing gaps, following discussions with stakeholders.
According to Naijatrial, the bill is now pending full passage, Senate harmonization, and presidential approval before the 2027 elections.