Profiling-the-"Mandatory"-Advocates-(Pro-Transparency)-For-the-Electoral-Reform-Bill

Profiling the "Mandatory" Advocates (Pro-Transparency) For the Electoral Reform Bill

Dave Ikiedei Asei/Wisdom Tide/February 13, 2026

These senators were the ones who fought to restore the electronic clause after it was initially deleted on February 4.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South): The primary antagonist to the "discretionary" group. He famously stated that if the Senate didn't record individual votes (division), they were "hiding from the people." His threat to force a division is what eventually broke the resistance.

Senator Shuaibu Salisu (Ogun Central): Debunked the "no network" argument by pointing out that the same rural areas use POS machines and digital banking daily.

Senator Ireti Kingibe (FCT): Voiced strong support for the House of Representatives version, which was much more digitally forward than the Senate's original draft.

The Historical "Turnaround"

The pressure became so immense that by February 10, 2026, the "Discretionary" advocates retreated. This was due to:

Public Outcry: Nationwide protests and a strike threat by the NLC.

Political Exposure: Senator Abaribe’s demand for a "recorded vote" meant that every senator would have to go home to their constituency and explain why they voted "No" to transparency.

The "Monguno Motion": To save face, the Senate leadership allowed Senator Tahir Monguno to move a fresh motion to "revisit" the clause, which was then passed by a unanimous voice vote.

Why this matters for 2027

By profiling these arguments, history records that the shift to electronic transmission wasn't a gift from the Senate leadership; it was a concession forced by public demand and the strategic maneuvering of the minority caucus.

Would you like me to find the specific "Clause 60" wording that the harmonization committee is currently debating to ensure the "discretionary" loopholes are fully closed?

Electoral Bill Debate: Nigerians React as Senate Rejects E-Results

This video provides a deep dive into the initial rejection of electronic transmission and the subsequent public backlash that forced the Senate to reconsider its position.