“I Didn’t Oppose E-Transmission of Results” — Orji Uzor Kalu Responds to Resurfaced 2020 Video

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has reaffirmed his support for the electronic transmission of election results, dismissing a resurfaced video from 2020 that appeared to show him opposing the process.

The Abia North lawmaker made the statement on Tuesday following an emergency plenary session on the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, 2026, during which the Senate reviewed provisions on electronic result transmission.

Kalu explained that the amended Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Act now explicitly allows presiding officers to electronically transmit results once Form EC8A has been completed and signed at polling units.

“Electronic transmission is now recognised as the primary option where the necessary technology is available and functional. Where it is not possible, the signed Form EC8A remains the authentic source of the result,” he said, highlighting that the amendment balances transparency with practical challenges, particularly in areas with limited network coverage.

Responding to the viral video, Kalu’s office clarified that it dates back to 2020, during the 9th Senate and at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The footage shows senators wearing face masks and does not reflect his current stance.

“The 10th Senate has made significant progress. Even the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, did not oppose electronic transmission. The majority of senators supported it,” Kalu said, adding that earlier debates were influenced by technological and infrastructural limitations at the time.

Tuesday’s plenary saw the Senate rescind and amend parts of the Electoral Act to permit electronic transmission of results. While real-time uploads remain optional, the signed EC8A form will serve as the official basis for collation where electronic transmission is not feasible.