Pass the Law, Let INEC Decide – David Mark

Former Senate President and Interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, has publicly challenged Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the ongoing amendment of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, urging lawmakers to approve provisions for electronic transmission of election results and allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine implementation feasibility.

The exchange comes amid heightened public debate following the Senate’s recent handling of clauses related to real-time electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Amendment Bill, 2026. Akpabio had previously defended the upper chamber’s position, stating the Senate did not reject electronic transmission but was exercising caution regarding technical implementation timelines.

In a pointed rebuttal, Mark declared, “Just pass the law because that’s what the people want. Let INEC decide if they can do it or not. Do not speak for INEC.” The former eight-year Senate President emphasized that the National Assembly’s role is to legislate based on public demand, while operational decisions regarding electoral technology should rest solely with the electoral body.

The controversy centers on whether the amended Electoral Act should mandate real-time electronic transmission of results—a provision many civil society groups and opposition parties argue is critical for electoral transparency following disputed outcomes in previous elections. Critics contend that removing or watering down such provisions could undermine election credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC itself has previously stressed the importance of timely passage of electoral legislation to allow adequate preparation for upcoming polls. The commission has not publicly commented on the current legislative debate.