Electronic Transmission Is Still Mandatory But We Must Account For Areas Not Covered By Internet Infrastructure –

By Reporter Ben On Feb 18, 2026

Hon. Akin Rotimi Jr., Spokesman of the House of Representatives, a member of the APC, said defended recent amendments to the Electoral Act, stating that the change was made to accommodate areas without reliable internet access while still maintaining mandatory electronic transmission.

“Regarding Section 60(3) on result transmission, it is important to educate Nigerians that electronic transmission is still mandatory. It is clearly stated. The “real-time” phrasing was debated extensively. We must account for the small percentage of areas not yet covered by internet infrastructure”, he said.

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Adding, he said: “We use manual nomenclature because we vote manually, ballot papers are manual, the count is manual. But Section 63 now states the presiding officer shall electronically transmit results from each polling unit to the IReV portal.”

Rotimi Jr. also argued that the actions taken were not a betrayal or partisan driven, defended parliamentary procedures as democratic.

“I disagree that this is a betrayal. The narrative that this is purely partisan isn’t helpful. Parliamentary processes, including walkouts, are part of democracy. Regarding Section 84, direct primaries actually give power to the people at the grassroots”, he stated.

Hon. Rotimi Jr. dismissed claims that the APC-led House is using Clause 84 to rig future elections, insisting that the move is not partisan and reflects confidence in the party’s political direction.

“Why would we have a plan to rig when we are confident in our trajectory? Policy reforms are impacting the economy, and while decisions have been difficult, we have turned the curve. The narrative that this is purely partisan is not helpful. Many opposition members remained in the chamber throughout. Walking out is part of the parliamentary process, but the rule of law says the majority has their way.

“Regarding Clause 84, people claim this takes power away from the people and gives it to party leadership. I believe the opposite. Direct primaries allow grassroots members to participate. Previously, you had maybe 100 or 120 delegates deciding for an entire constituency. Now, you must go and test your popularity at the grassroots level. How does that translate to leadership control?”, he quizzed.

Speaking on the incident that occured in the National Assembly where protesters were tear gassed, Hon. Rotimi Jr. said:

“Regarding the protesters who were tear-gassed today—it is very unfortunate. The National Assembly is the house of the people. We want people to come and protest, but it was unfortunately infiltrated.”

Responding to concerns about the transmission of election results in the coming elections, Hon. Rotimi Jr. assured that the transmission process will include experts which will ensure transparency.

“The response is simple: The provision says the presiding officer shall transmit. The process has always been inclusive of civil society and experts. Please have faith”, he said.