By Henry Umoru
ABUJA — Senator Seriake Dickson (PDP, Bayelsa West) has urged members of the Senate and House of Representatives Conference Committee on the Electoral Act amendment bill to adopt the House of Representatives’ version of the proposed law, particularly on electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, the former Bayelsa State governor said the House version reflected the consensus reached after nearly two years of consultations involving lawmakers, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), technical experts and other stakeholders.
He cautioned that introducing what he described as weak provisos could undermine electoral integrity and further erode public confidence in the electoral process.
According to Dickson, the controversy surrounding the amendment has become a major national issue, stressing that the National Assembly should align with the framework earlier agreed upon during joint committee deliberations.
He noted that as a member of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, he participated in extensive engagements, including workshops, joint sessions with House members, consultations with INEC, meetings with technical advisers and public hearings in Abuja and Lagos.
“By parliamentary practice, conference committees are meant to harmonise versions, not rewrite agreements. My call is simple: adopt the House version in its entirety because that version reflects what was agreed,” he said.
The debate follows the Senate’s decision to amend a clause on electronic transmission of results. While the House passed the bill as recommended by the joint committee, the Senate introduced a proviso allowing manual results to prevail where electronic transmission is considered not feasible.
Dickson said the earlier framework was agreed upon in consultation with INEC, which had assured lawmakers of its capacity to transmit results electronically.
He urged INEC to ensure that its guidelines and operational manuals reinforce electronic transmission as the general rule.
“I also urge INEC, through its guidelines and manuals, to ensure that electronic transmission remains the general rule,” he said.
The senator commended civil society groups and citizens for engaging in the debate, describing public interest in the matter as a positive sign for democracy.
Dickson also explained that his absence from some recent Senate sittings was due to the death of the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, which he said required his attention. He noted that he attended an emergency session of the Senate because of the importance of the electoral amendment.
He expressed concern that a key clause agreed upon at the joint committee level was altered in the Senate version.
According to him, electronic transmission of results enhances transparency by ensuring that results recorded at polling units are promptly uploaded and available for public scrutiny.
“Manipulation does not only occur at polling units; it can also occur at collation centres. Prompt transmission and uploading of results makes verification easier,” he said.
While acknowledging that the Senate version uses the word “shall” regarding electronic transmission, he expressed concern that the proviso could create room for differing interpretations.
“The exception should not overshadow the rule,” he said, adding that if electronic transmission is mandated by law, it becomes INEC’s responsibility to ensure the necessary infrastructure is in place nationwide.
Beyond electronic transmission, Dickson said the House version retained provisions agreed upon regarding political party primaries, including consensus, direct and indirect primaries, allowing parties flexibility within clearly defined guidelines.
“We agreed that consensus must be voluntary and clearly defined, and that parties should retain flexibility within the law. The House version reflects that understanding,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the electoral process and to continue advocating for transparency and adherence to the law.
As deliberations continue, attention is focused on the 12-member Senate Conference Committee, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), which will meet with its House counterparts to harmonise both versions of the bill.
Other members of the Senate committee include Senators Niyi Adegbonmire (APC, Ondo Central), Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central), Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North), Abba Moro (PDP, Benue South), Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC, Cross River South), Aminu Iya Abbas (Adamawa), Tokunbo Abiru (APC, Lagos East), Jibrin Isah (APC, Kogi East), Ipalibo Banigo (PDP, Rivers West) and Peter Nwaebonyi (APC, Ebonyi North).
Observers say the outcome of the conference committee’s work will be significant for Nigeria’s ongoing electoral reform efforts.
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