Dickson Defends Electoral Reforms, Says Senate Decision Still Marks Progress for Democracy

Former Governor of Bayelsa State and Senator representing Bayelsa West, Senator Seriake Dickson, has expressed disappointment over the Senate’s initial refusal to pass the clause mandating electronic transmission of election results, while maintaining that recent developments still represent incremental progress for Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television on February 10, Dickson said the decision was particularly painful as it came while he was in Bayelsa mourning the death of his brother, the Deputy Governor. He explained that the clause was the product of more than two years of work by the Electoral Committee and had been passed by the House of Representatives exactly as agreed.

He commended the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, and members of the House Committee for standing by the harmonised position.

The senator said he shared the anger and protests expressed by Nigerians, noting that he had long championed electronic transmission of results, including during the 9th Senate when the issue was put to a formal vote.

Dickson revealed that after resuming plenary, he confronted Senate leadership during an emergency session, leading to a motion for rescission moved by the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno, though with a proviso recognising cases of network failure.

While disagreeing with the proviso, he said lawmaking requires negotiation and consensus, adding that the outcome, though not ideal, was workable and could be improved in the future.

He clarified that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) enables real-time public access to polling unit results after declaration, helping to curb manipulation at collation centres.

Dickson urged Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process, mobilise to vote, and insist that their votes are transmitted and counted, stressing that sustained participation is key to strengthening democracy.

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