The debate on whether or not election results compiled by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be transmitted electronically came down to individual voting at the Senate on Thursday, July 15.
In the report submitted by the chairman of the Senate committee on INEC matter, Kabiru Gaya, it was recommended that when possible, the commission “may transmit results of elections by electronic means where and when practicable.”
However, Senator Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) amended the clause to read: “INEC may consider electronic collation of results, provided the national network coverage is adjudged to be adequate and secured by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and approved by the National Assembly.”
A rowdy session ensued when the Senate president, Ahmad Lawan, approved Abdullahi’s amendment. To return order to the House, minority leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, suggested voting on the controversial issue.
Whereas the ‘NO’ vote was to empower NCC to determine the electronic transmission of electoral results, the ‘YES’ was to allow INEC to transmit results when and where practicable.
Below are lists of lawmakers who took part in the voting exercise:
Robert Ajayi Boroffice YES
Surajudeen Basiru NO
Adenugba Fadahunsi YES
Clifford Ordia YES
Matthew Urhoghide YES
Francis Alimikhena NO
Kola Balogun YES
Ezekiel Ayuba NO
Abubakar Kyari NO
Gyang Istifanus YES
Senator Gyagung Ladi NO
George Sekibo YES
Ali Ndume NO
Opeyemi Bamidele NO
Biodun Olujimi YES
Mpigi Barinada YES
Betty Apiafi YES
Gobir Abdullahi NO
Abdullahi Danbaba NO
Philip Aduda YES
Chukwuka Utazi YES
Mohammed Goje NO
Danbaba YES
Yusuf Yusuf NO
Isa Shuaibu Lau NO
Mohammed Goje NO
Bomai Ibrahim Mohammed NO
Francis Onyewuchi YES
Yau Sahabi NO
Uba Sani NO
Danjuma Drah YES
Kabiru Gaya NO
Ishaku Elisha Abo NO
Baba Kaita NO
Adamu Aliero NO
Yahaya Abdullahi NO
Yakubu Oseni NO
Isa Jibrin NO
Smart Adeyemi NO
Ibrahim Oloriegbe NO
<Oluremi Tinubu NO
Solomon Adeola NO
Tanko Al-Makura NO
GoDra Akwashiki NO
Abdullahi Adamu NO
Musa MohammeDrani NO
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi NO
Bima Enagi NO
Patrick Akinyelure YES
Breakdown of the figures of votes on Electronic Transmission of election results.
AYES: 28
NAYS: 52
ABSENT: 28
ABSTAIN: 0
TOTAL VOTES: 80
TOTAL NO. OF REGISTERED SENATORS: 109
Announced by the Clerk of Senate and validated by the President, of the Senate Dr. Ahmad I. Lawan.
