Senate Summons Emergency Session Tuesday Over Electoral Bill

The Nigerian Senate has announced an emergency plenary sitting scheduled for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, heightening political tension over the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

The emergency session, fixed for 12 noon, was convened by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and communicated to lawmakers in a notice signed by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo. All senators have been directed to suspend other engagements and attend the sitting. Although the official agenda has not been disclosed, the development is widely linked to controversies trailing the Senate’s consideration of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, particularly the rejection of a proposal mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results. Last week, the Senate passed the amendment bill but voted against changes to Section 60, which would have compelled presiding officers to upload polling unit results directly to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time. Instead, the Senate retained provisions allowing electronic transmission at the discretion of INEC after results are announced at polling units. The decision has sparked criticism from civil society organisations, labour unions and pro-democracy groups, who argue that rejecting mandatory real-time transmission could undermine transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections. Some groups have threatened protests and electoral boycotts if the provision is not reconsidered. Political analysts believe the emergency sitting may provide an opportunity for the Senate to revisit the contentious amendment or address growing public pressure over the bill. The sudden recall of lawmakers is notable, as the Senate had earlier adjourned plenary sessions to allow committees focus on budget defence hearings with ministries, departments and agencies.