Politics
BREAKING: Electoral Act amendment, Senate proposes mandatory e-transmission of results
DDM News

(DDM) – The Nigerian Senate has passed for the second reading a landmark bill seeking to repeal the Electoral Act 2022 and introduce a new Electoral Act 2025 that will make electronic transmission of election results mandatory ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the proposed law, sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South), aims to fix the technological lapses that marred the 2023 general elections, especially during presidential result collation and transmission.
The bill, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral integrity, mandates presiding officers to transmit results electronically and manually at every level of collation.
This amendment directly alters Section 60 (5) of the 2022 Electoral Act, which previously gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) discretion to determine how results should be transmitted.
Under the proposed 2025 law, every presiding officer must send election results, including total accredited voters, both electronically and manually to the next level of collation.
This provision, analysts say, will close the loopholes that led to widespread controversy and loss of public trust during the last elections.
The bill also contains other major reforms, such as recognising statutory delegates in party primaries, introducing digital voter identification with QR-coded voter cards, and recognising voting rights for inmates.
It further proposes that general elections be held not later than 185 days before the expiration of current officeholders’ terms, a change that could move the next elections from early 2027 to November 2026.
The Senate debate, however, was not without controversy. Lawmakers questioned the procedure after a public hearing was held before the second reading, an uncommon legislative practice.
Senator Binos Dauda Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa South) expressed concern, saying public hearings should follow second readings, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central) advised the chamber to suspend the matter for another day.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio eventually put the matter to a voice vote, and it was stepped down last week but later passed for a second reading after detailed review.
Akpabio emphasised that INEC must henceforth be held accountable for the conduct and transparency of elections, adding that the electoral body should bear the burden of proving that its processes comply with the law.
The Senate President also claimed that Nigeria’s elections have improved since 2015 and recalled how former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua once admitted the flaws in his own election, stressing that continuous reform is key to democratic survival.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) said the new bill would align Nigeria’s electoral process with global democratic standards, while Senator Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi Central) highlighted the need to correct the exclusion of elected officials as delegates in previous primaries.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) urged for better clarity on the roles of security agencies during elections, while Senator Patrick Ndubueze (APC, Imo North) proposed that results should be compiled and announced within six hours of voting.
Other provisions of the bill include mandatory early voting, higher campaign spending limits, and inclusion of the National Identification Number (NIN) as a voter registration requirement.
Political analysts and civil society groups have praised the Senate’s move, describing it as a decisive step toward restoring credibility in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Former lawmaker Bernard Mikko warned, however, that without sincerity and transparency, even advanced technology could be compromised.
Another political commentator, Jackson Lekan Ojo, said the bill offers a second chance for Nigeria to get its electoral process right, urging the current INEC chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, to work closely with lawmakers to ensure the success of electronic result transmission before 2027.
If passed and assented to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Electoral Act 2025 could become one of the most transformative laws in Nigeria’s democratic history, redefining how elections are conducted, transmitted, and validated in the digital era.
Politics
Wike-Led PDP Faction Expels Makinde, Mohammed, Lawal, Others
The factional National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ratified the expulsion of three sitting governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Bala Mohammed of Bauchi, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara.
Others expelled include former Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara; former National Vice Chairman, Chief Bode George; and newly elected National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN).
The announcement follows last Saturday’s rival PDP national convention in Ibadan, where Wike and several allies—comprising former governors, lawmakers and senior party figures—were suspended over alleged anti-party activities.
The Ibadan convention, convened by the opposing faction, accused Wike’s bloc of trying to “destabilise the party structure” ahead of a proposed nationwide restructuring process.
On Tuesday, both factions attempted to hold separate NEC and Board of Trustees meetings at the PDP National Secretariat in Wadata Plaza, Abuja, prompting a chaotic confrontation.
Security operatives struggled to manage clashes between supporters of the two sides, leading to shouting matches, shoving and temporary closure of parts of the building before the groups eventually met separately.
During its own session, the Wike-aligned NEC also dissolved PDP state executive committees in Oyo, Bauchi, Zamfara, Yobe, Lagos and Ekiti. It directed that caretaker committees be set up immediately, followed by fresh congresses in the affected states.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting and read by factional National Secretary, Senator Sam Anyanwu, stated that the NEC reviewed a report from Acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed on alleged breaches of Articles 58(1) and 59(1) of the PDP Constitution. The violations cited included anti-party activities, disobedience to court orders and conduct viewed as bringing the party into disrepute.
The faction approved disciplinary actions against several prominent members, including: Adolphus Wabara, Bode George, Ben Obi, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki (SAN), Bala Mohammed, Seyi Makinde, Dauda Lawal, Taofiq Arapaja, Setonji Koshoedo, Okechukwu Obiechina Daniel, Woyengikuro Daniel, Mohammed Kadade Suleiman, Emmanuel Ogidi, Sumaila Adamu Burga, Umar Sani, Udom Emmanuel and Emmanuel Enorden.
The development marks one of the most severe escalations yet in the PDP’s internal conflict, which has seen parallel conventions, rival leadership claims and widening rifts between influential blocs ahead of the party’s expected national restructuring.
(DDM) – Investor and public service advocate Ken Pela has stressed that Nigeria’s biggest challenge is not a lack of potential, but a deficit of the will to do what is right.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Pela made the statement after participating in investor meetings, strategy sessions, and a nation-building dialogue with former Vice President Peter Obi at the Reimagining Nigeria Symposium 2025 in Madrid.
Our correspondent notes that Pela reflected on discussions at the symposium, outlining key principles he believes are essential for rebuilding the nation and achieving sustainable development.
He emphasized that national progress requires responsible harnessing of agriculture, the establishment of transparent enterprise, and the consistent practice of integrity across all sectors.
Pela further highlighted that meaningful reform cannot be outsourced and must come from active citizen engagement, urging Nigerians to demand accountability rather than wait for others to initiate change.
He described these principles as the pillars necessary to construct a “truly new Nigeria,” emphasizing that collective action, ethical leadership, and societal commitment are indispensable.
Pela also commended the efforts of Isiodu Kosieme Georges and the symposium’s organizing team for creating a platform that fostered dialogue on governance, economic reform, and citizen participation.
He noted that investor participation, policy discussions, and networking opportunities at the Madrid event demonstrated the potential for coordinated efforts to address systemic challenges in Nigeria.
The public service advocate reaffirmed his personal commitment to national development, emphasizing that sustained progress depends on the collaboration of private sector leaders, government officials, and citizens alike.
Pela expressed optimism that through collective effort, strategic planning, and God’s guidance, a new Nigeria is achievable, a nation built on accountability, innovation, and the rule of law.
He stressed that leadership at all levels must prioritize transparency, efficiency, and ethical conduct to inspire confidence in governance and attract investment.
Observers note that Pela’s reflections provide a roadmap for reform-minded Nigerians, highlighting practical steps for improving agriculture, business enterprise, and civic responsibility.
The symposium discussions underscored the importance of combining moral leadership, technical expertise, and citizen engagement to confront Nigeria’s challenges and unlock its full potential.
Pela concluded that national rebirth requires courage, willpower, and collective action, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping a more prosperous, accountable, and sustainable Nigeria.
(DDM) – PDP National Chairman Dr. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki has affirmed that the party’s inaugural National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting will take place tomorrow at the PDP National Secretariat, Wadata Plaza, Abuja.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that Turaki made the declaration following the submission of a petition at the Police Headquarters in Garki, targeting expelled officials of the party, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu.
Our correspondent notes that the petition accused Anyanwu and other party members of sabotaging PDP processes and undermining the party’s leadership and organizational cohesion.
Despite the petition, Turaki insisted that no obstacle would prevent the executive meeting from proceeding, emphasizing that the session is a key step in implementing the party’s new leadership direction.
He reiterated that the Wadata Plaza meeting marks the beginning of a renewed focus on discipline, unity, and strategic planning under his leadership.
Turaki assured party members that the meeting would proceed as scheduled on November 18, highlighting its importance in consolidating the gains of the recently concluded national convention.
The chairman emphasized that defending internal processes and maintaining order within the party are critical for strengthening PDP’s organizational structure and credibility.
Turaki noted that the NEC meeting would provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss internal reforms, address challenges, and reinforce cohesion among party officials at all levels.
Observers say the chairman’s statement signals a firm commitment to assert authority, enforce party rules, and prevent disruptions by dissenting members.
Party insiders indicate that the meeting will also focus on reviewing strategic priorities, coordinating state and national operations, and ensuring alignment among party organs nationwide.
The leadership highlighted the significance of the session for restoring confidence among members and re-establishing PDP as a disciplined and unified political force.
Analysts suggest that Turaki’s proactive stance demonstrates the party’s determination to safeguard internal democracy, promote transparency, and address grievances through established channels.
The NEC gathering is expected to include discussions on organizational restructuring, membership engagement, election preparedness, and the integration of party stakeholders into decision-making processes.
Turaki urged all members to cooperate, emphasizing that maintaining unity and discipline is essential for achieving PDP’s objectives and sustaining its relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
The chairman concluded that tomorrow’s meeting will strengthen internal cohesion, restore accountability, and set a clear path for the party’s leadership to implement its mandate effectively.
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