The Senate has approved the adoption of both electronic and manual methods for the transmission of election results from polling units nationwide.

The resolution was reached during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following sustained public pressure against proposals to restrict electronic transmission in the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act 2022.

As part of the amendment, lawmakers revised Clause 60 of the Act to mandate presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing (IREV) portal.

Announcing the decision, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that where electronic transmission is not feasible due to network or communication challenges, the manual result sheet—Form EC8A—will serve as the primary document for collation.

According to him, the dual transmission system is designed to address technical limitations in some areas while ensuring compliance with the provisions of the amended electoral law.

The Senate’s approval comes after days of protests and public outcry at the National Assembly, with civil society organisations and demonstrators calling for the retention of electronic transmission as a safeguard against electoral manipulation and a means of restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has arraigned former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, alongside his son, Abdulaziz Malami, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged terrorism-related offences.

The defendants were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Tuesday and were docked on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding and abetting terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. Both men pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the charge, Malami is accused of allegedly facilitating terrorism financing by failing to prosecute individuals suspected of financing terrorism, whose case files were reportedly forwarded to his office during his tenure as AGF.

The father and son were jointly charged in counts two through five, which relate to alleged unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition. The prosecution alleged that the defendants were found in possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 live Redstar AAA cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges at their residence in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, without valid licences.

The prosecution further claimed that the alleged possession amounted to preparation for acts of terrorism, contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, 2004.

During the court proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Dr. C.S. Eze, requested that the defendants be remanded in DSS custody pending trial. However, defence counsel, S.A. Alua (SAN), made an oral application for bail, which was declined by the court. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that bail applications must be formally filed in writing in accordance with court procedures.

The case has been adjourned until February 20 for the hearing of the bail application and possible commencement of trial.

The DSS maintains that the alleged offences fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court.

The Leader of the 10th Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, CON, has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love and national unity as Christians across the country celebrate Christmas 2025.

In a Christmas message issued on Wednesday, December 25, Senator Bamidele described the birth of Jesus Christ as a timeless source of hope, redemption and salvation for humanity, noting that His message remains relevant in addressing contemporary national and global challenges.

According to the Senate Leader, Christmas offers Nigerians another opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the welfare of its citizens, irrespective of religious affiliation. He urged both Christians and Muslims to draw lessons from Christ’s message of love, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, rather than resorting to violence in the pursuit of personal or collective grievances.

Senator Bamidele emphasized that Christ’s love transcends religious boundaries, describing it as a unifying force capable of healing broken relationships, reconciling divided communities and fostering national cohesion, stability and rebirth.

He further stressed that enduring peace is fundamental to sustainable development, economic growth and good governance at both national and sub-national levels. According to him, only in an atmosphere of peace and mutual understanding can citizens freely pursue their aspirations without fear or hindrance.

The Senate Leader therefore urged Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace, harmony and positive engagement, while rejecting hate speech, violence and divisive tendencies.

He concluded by wishing Nigerians a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year in advance.