Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has once again declared his backing for the electronic transmission of election results, distancing himself from a resurfaced video suggesting he previously opposed the system.
The clarification came on Tuesday after the Senate convened an emergency plenary session to deliberate on aspects of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026. Representing Abia North, Kalu addressed concerns raised by the circulating footage and explained his current position.
According to the senator, the revised Clause 60(3) of the proposed amendment empowers presiding officers to transmit election results electronically once Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed at polling units. He noted that this provision establishes electronic transmission as the primary method in areas where the necessary technology is functional and accessible.
However, he pointed out that the legislation also makes room for contingencies. In locations where technological infrastructure fails or network services are unreliable, the manually signed Form EC8A will remain the legally recognized record of results.
Kalu emphasized that the updated framework strikes a balance between embracing digital innovation and safeguarding voters in regions with poor connectivity. He stressed that the arrangement ensures no community is disenfranchised due to technical limitations.
Addressing the viral video directly, Kalu’s office clarified that the clip dates back to 2020 during proceedings of the 9th Senate, at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The video, which shows lawmakers wearing face masks, does not reflect his current stance, the statement said.
His office further maintained that throughout the tenure of the 10th Senate, Kalu has not opposed electronic transmission of election results.
The senator explained that discussions during the 9th Senate were influenced by prevailing concerns at the time, including inadequate access to computers and inconsistent power supply. He added that amendments and adjustments made to motions during debates may have contributed to misunderstandings about his earlier position.
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