By Olokuta Rofiat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate’s decision on electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a “backdoor plot” capable of undermining electoral transparency.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, the party faulted the Electoral Act amendment, particularly the provision allowing manual transmission of results where electronic upload fails.

The PDP argued that while the Senate approved electronic transmission, retaining manual alternatives creates loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate results.

It said Nigerians had demanded strict real-time electronic transmission from polling units to boost credibility and reduce post-election disputes, warning that any clause that weakens the requirement could erode public confidence.

The party urged the National Assembly to adopt a clearer and stronger provision during the harmonisation process between the Senate and the House of Representatives, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Senate’s position has continued to draw mixed reactions from political stakeholders and civil society groups.

By Patrick Idowu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to use its digital platforms to confirm their polling units ahead of the Area Council elections scheduled for February 21.

The INEC Administrative Secretary for the FCT, Mrs. Abimbola Oladunjoye, gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, warning voters not to wait until election day before locating their voting points.

According to her, voters who are unsure of their polling unit details can visit voters.inecnigeria.org and enter their information to view their polling unit and directions.

She added that those who know their polling unit name or code but are unsure of its physical location can use the Polling Unit Locator Tool on pula.inecnigeria.org, where they can select the FCT, ward and polling unit to get directions.

Oladunjoye also said voters can use inecnigeria.org/location to access Google Maps directions by inputting polling unit details.

She further noted that INEC will paste the register of voters at every polling unit four to five days before the election to assist residents.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Senate on Wednesday approved an amendment to the Electoral Act, reducing the period within which the Independent National Electoral Commission is required to publish a notice of election from 360 days to 180 days.

The decision was taken during clause by clause consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill after lawmakers adopted an amendment moved by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Tahir Monguno.

Senators, sitting as the Committee of the Whole, considered all 155 clauses of the bill and approved the legislation after adopting the committee’s report.

The session, which lasted about four and a half hours, was the only item on the Senate’s Order Paper for the day, following a valedictory session in honour of late former lawmaker, Okey Ezea.

The reduction in the election notice period is expected to give INEC more operational flexibility while still allowing political parties, candidates and other stakeholders adequate time to prepare ahead of elections.