Kalu backs e-transmission, debunks old video

Abia North Senator Orji Uzor Kalu on Tuesday reaffirmed his strong backing for the electronic transmission of election results, while expressing disappointment over the circulation of a five-year-old video misrepresenting his stance.

His remarks followed an emergency Senate plenary on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, where lawmakers reviewed provisions for transmitting results electronically.

Kalu emphasized that the amended Clause 60(3) now permits presiding officers to transmit results electronically after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed at polling units.

“This means electronic transmission becomes the primary method where technology is available and functional. However, where it fails or becomes impossible, the signed Form EC8A remains the valid source of results,” he said.

He added that the approach balances transparency and credibility with inclusivity, ensuring voters in areas with poor network coverage are not disenfranchised.

Kalu’s office clarified that the circulating video, showing senators wearing face masks, dates back to the 9th Senate in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The footage allegedly shows him opposing electronic transmission, but his office stressed that at no point in the 10th Senate has he opposed the process.

“No, the 10th Senate has progressed very well. Even the Senate President, Akpabio, never opposed electronic transmission. Ninety-five percent of senators supported it,” Kalu said. “The video is from six years ago and reflects the realities then, not now.”

He further explained that earlier discussions in the 9th Senate focused on limitations like lack of computers and power, and that misconceptions arose when motions were amended and debated.

Tuesday’s plenary saw the Senate rescind and re-amend provisions of the Electoral Act to allow electronic transmission without mandating real-time uploads. Where transmission is not possible, the signed EC8A will remain the primary source for collation and announcement of results.

The amendment strengthens the transparency and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process while accommodating network challenges across polling units.

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