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Senate Cites Empirical Data for Making E-Transmission of Results Discretionary

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Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele
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The Senate has defended its decision to make the electronic transmission of election results discretionary rather than mandatory in the ongoing reform of Nigeria’s electoral framework, citing empirical data on the country’s communication and power infrastructure.

The upper chamber said its position on Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill, 2026, was informed by consultations with key stakeholders in the communications and power sectors and based on prevailing realities rather than public sentiment.

Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, clarified the position in a statement issued on Sunday by his Directorate of Media and Public Affairs.

Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill, 2026, had proposed that the presiding officer “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time.” However, the Senate resolved to review the clause, deleting the words “real time” and introducing a caveat that in the event of internet failure, Form EC8A would serve as the primary means of result collation.

Bamidele noted that while real-time electronic transmission of results could deepen public trust in democratic institutions, including the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), current infrastructure limitations pose significant challenges.

He cited data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which indicated that Nigeria achieved about 70 per cent broadband coverage in 2025, while internet user penetration stood at 44.53 per cent of the population within the same period.

Referencing the Speedtest Global Index, Bamidele said Nigeria ranked 85th out of 105 countries in mobile network reliability and 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband reliability. According to him, Nigeria’s average mobile network speed was 44.14 megabits per second, compared to 691.76 mbps in the United Arab Emirates, 573.53 mbps in Qatar and 415.67 mbps in Kuwait.

On fixed broadband, he said Nigeria recorded 33.32 mbps, placing 129th globally, far behind countries such as Singapore, the UAE and France.

The Senate Leader also cited data on electricity access, stating that about 85 million Nigerians—approximately 43 per cent of the population—lack access to grid electricity. Although generation capacity ranges between 12,000 and 13,500 megawatts, he noted that transmission and distribution constraints limit actual delivery to about 4,500 megawatts nationwide.

He argued that making real-time electronic transmission mandatory under such conditions could create complications during elections and potentially lead to instability.

Bamidele said the Senate’s decision was guided by Section 62(2) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which established the National Electronic Register of Election Results, adding that lawmakers must enact legislation grounded in factual realities.

He maintained that lawmaking requires balancing public expectations with practical considerations to ensure that enacted provisions are workable and do not undermine the stability of the electoral system.

Education

First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu Commissions ICT Centre at EKSU, Reaffirms Commitment to Digital Empowerment

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Nigeria’s First Lady and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Saturday commissioned a state-of-the-art ICT Experience Centre at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, describing the facility as a strategic investment in digital education, innovation and youth empowerment.

 

The ICT centre, which was facilitated through her Renewed Hope Initiative in partnership with Tetfund was part of efforts to expand access to technology and digital opportunities for young Nigerians.

 

Dignitaries at the event include, Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, his Ondo State Counterpart, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele among others.

 

Speaking while commissioning the ICT centre, Senator Tinubu said the facility would provide students and other beneficiaries with the skills and tools required to thrive in the digital economy and compete favorably in the global digital stage.

 

Stressing the importance of equipping young people with relevant technological knowledge to enhance innovation, entrepreneurship and national development, the First Lady noted that the ICT Experience Centre represents another milestone in the Renewed Hope Initiative’s interventions aimed at empowering women, youths and students across the country.

 

She expressed confidence that the facility would serve as a hub for learning, creativity and technological advancement within the university community and beyond.

 

“I’m really happy to be in Ekiti, this is part of the programme that the Tinubu administration is rendering in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative which I chair, and Tetfund, we were able to give this center to you and I pray that more will come to the state. We have done a lot of work in Ekiti State though the office of the First Lady”, the First Lady asserted.

 

 

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chancellor of the University, Dr Tunji Olowolafe and the Vice Chancellor, Prof Babatola Ayodele, expressed profound gratitude to the First Lady for facilitating the project. They described the centre as a valuable addition to the state’s educational infrastructure and a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to human capital development.

 

They maintained that the facility would significantly enhance digital learning, research and innovation and pledged to make effective use of the centre in advancing academic excellence and technological development at the university.

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EKITI 2026: TINUBU’S WIFE RALLIES SUPPORT FOR OYEBANJI, FLAGS OFF APC WOMEN CAMPAIGN 

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The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and National Chairman, Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged the electorate to re-elect Governor Biodun Oyebanji for a second term in the June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State.

 

Senator Tinubu said Governor Oyebanji deserves to be re-elected by the people of Ekiti State on the strength of what she described as “commendable and sterling performance and evidence of good governance.”

 

The First Lady who spoke on Saturday at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Campaign Rally for Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s re-election which was witnessed by a mammoth crowd at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado-Ekiti, stressed that Oyebanji has done enough to justify re-election because the fortune of the state has changed for better in over three years in governance.

 

The First Lady who said she was in Ekiti just to appreciate the people of the state for their support for the Governor and his wife, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, also canvassed support for her husband, President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

 

She said: “We came here just to appreciate Ekiti Kete for the support given to BAO (Oyebanji) and his wife so far. I want to plead with you, help me vote for BAO in the coming governorship election in Ekiti and in 2027, vote for Mr President (Tinubu) because things are changing for better.

 

“You have seen more money given to the states for them to work more for the people. The states no longer owe salaries. In Ekiti Stete things are going on fine here and you governor is doing a good job and should be voted in for a second term in office. I am very grateful to you for your support sir fat. Pls continue to support him so he can do more.”

 

 

Senator Tinubu particularly appreciated APC women in Ekiti for trooping out in large numbers to welcome her saying she was impressed with the reception accorded her at every place visited during her one-day working visit to the Land of Honour.

 

A major highlight of the event was a symbolic presentation of cheques of N50,000 to 2,000 women to support small scale businesses. The First Lady said the Wife of the Governor will supervise the disbursement.

 

Governor Oyebanji in his remarks pledged a tally of 700,000 votes from the people of Ekiti State for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election in appreciation of what he described as “unprecedented support the state had so far received from the President” which has positive changes the face of the state and bettered the standard of living of its people.

 

Earlier in the day, Senator Tinubu, who was accompanied by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima and other national APC women top shots, was treated to an impressive reception at the Ekiti State Agro-Allied International Airport shortly after the presidential jet that conveyed her from Abuja touched down.

 

The First Lady also commissioned the newly built ICT Centre at the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, which was facilitated by her Renewed Hope Initiative. She equally held a meeting with Ekiti Obas under the aegis of the Ekiti State Traditional Rulers’ Councila t Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti before attending the rally at the pavilion.

 

He also had a meeting with all Ekiti Obas at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado Ekiti where they robbed minds on national issues.

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Oyebanji Deserves Second Term Over Outstanding Performance — Outreach Team

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The Special Outreach Team led by the Ekiti State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Mrs. Tosin Aluko, has joined their counterparts in the Ekiti South Senatorial District for a mobilisation campaign in support of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s second term bid in Ise/Orun Local Government Area of the state.

 

The campaign, which took place in Ise-Ekiti, attracted party supporters, women leaders and stakeholders from the local government area, all expressing support for Governor Oyebanji ahead of the June 20 governorship election.

 

Speaking on behalf of the outreach team in Ise/Orun, Hon. Mrs. Oluremi Ajayi Babinton said the group had continued to work tirelessly across Ekiti State under the leadership of Chief Mrs. Tosin Aluko to canvass support for the governor.

 

Babinton explained that although the group was not politically motivated, members had resolved to support Governor Oyebanji because of what she described as his outstanding performance in office.

 

She assured that the people of Ise/Orun were fully prepared to vote massively for the governor’s second term, expressing confidence that the local government would deliver overwhelming support for the All Progressives Congress candidate.

 

Responding, Chief Mrs. Tosin Aluko appreciated the leaders, women and supporters present at the gathering for their unwavering commitment to Governor Oyebanji’s administration.

 

She also conveyed the appreciation of the wife of the governor to the people for their continued love and support for the administration.

 

The commissioner further urged residents to come out in large numbers to welcome Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, during her scheduled visit to the state on Saturday.

 

She also sensitised the people on the need to vote for Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the forthcoming June 20 election.

 

Among dignitaries present at the event were Hon. Mrs. Omolayo Fayose and Hon. Bukola Olowolaju.

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