JUST IN: Senate Recalls Lawmakers for Emergency Session Tuesday Over Electoral Act Outcry

The Nigerian Senate has scheduled an emergency plenary session for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, barely a week after its controversial decision on the new Electoral Act Amendment Bill sparked a nationwide firestorm. The notice, issued by the Clerk of the Senate, Emmanuel Odo, confirms that Senate President Godswill Akpabio has directed all lawmakers to reconvene at 12:00 noon to address urgent legislative matters.

The Heat Behind the Emergency Call

While the official agenda remains under wraps, insiders confirm the session is a direct response to the massive public outcry following the Senate’s rejection of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results. What you need to know:The “Clause 60” Controversy: Last Wednesday, the Senate voted down a proposal that would have forced INEC to transmit polling unit results directly to the IReV portal in real-time.The Justification: Senate President Akpabio defended the move, citing poor network coverage in several states, but the explanation has done little to calm the nerves of civil society groups and the opposition.National Pressure: Groups like the NLC and Afenifere, along with prominent figures like Oby Ezekwesili, have slammed the decision, calling it a “setback for transparency” ahead of the 2027 elections.

Will the Senate make a U-turn?

The sudden recall of lawmakers—who were originally on a two-week break for budget defence—suggests that the leadership may be feeling the heat. There is high speculation that the Red Chamber might reconsider the rejected clauses to restore public confidence in the electoral process.”The Senate cannot ignore the heartbeat of the nation. Transparency isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of democracy.”

— Political Analyst comment. What’s your take? Should the Senate make electronic transmission mandatory, or do you agree with the “no network” excuse? Drop your comments below! 👇