Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, has publicly reversed her earlier position and thrown her full support behind the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
This development comes amid ongoing national debates on amendments to the Electoral Act, as Nigerians demand greater transparency and integrity in the electoral process ahead of future elections, including 2027.
In a strongly worded statement shared on her official social media platforms, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan emphasized that real-time electronic transmission is essential for deepening democratic accountability.
She described the measure as a vital safeguard to protect the people's mandate, prevent manipulation, and rebuild public trust in Nigeria's elections.
“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, support the real-time electronic transmission of results,” she declared. “As I step into the Senate chamber, I carry the hopes and expectations of millions of Nigerians who yearn for stronger democratic safeguards.
Real-time electronic transmission of election results is a critical step toward deepening transparency, preserving the sanctity of the people’s mandate, and restoring public confidence in our electoral process.”
The senator's endorsement follows recent controversies in the Senate, where debates over Clause 60 of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill led to the removal of the "real-time" requirement, retaining the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) discretion on transmission methods amid concerns over network reliability in certain areas.
Despite this, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan has aligned herself with widespread public calls echoed by civil society groups, activists, and protesters for mandatory real-time uploading of results to INEC’s IReV portal to minimize opportunities for electoral malpractice.
Her U-turn signals a commitment to evolving Nigeria’s democracy through technology, ensuring every vote is accurately captured and publicly verifiable without delay.
The senator stressed that Nigeria's electoral system must adapt to modern tools to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections that reflect the true will of the people.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan urged her colleagues in the National Assembly and all stakeholders to prioritize reforms that strengthen electoral integrity, noting that such measures are crucial for sustaining democratic progress and national stability.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is the distinguished representative of Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate.
A vocal advocate for good governance, transparency, and the empowerment of marginalized communities, she continues to champion policies that advance democracy and development in Nigeria.