Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim, representing Ondo South Senatorial District at the National Assembly has clarified that the Nigerian Senate officially codified the Supreme Court’s decision into law, bringing the debate over the new electoral laws to a close.
Ibrahim made this statement at the University of Fortune Igbotako during a visit by Political Science scholars who came to congratulate him on his appointment as ambassador designate.
Ibrahin explained that the new Electoral Act was enacted due to concerns about the use of discretionary power, the validity of election results, legal standing, and the status of the INEC IRev portal.
These were the main issues resolved by the Supreme Court in the case of Atiku and INEC (No. 2), delivered on 29th December 2023.
According to him, In that case, the Supreme Court indicated what should be included in future legislation, providing a clear roadmap for the Nigerian Senate on the steps to take at appropriate times, including the present period.
“We acted to give effect to that historic judgment, and we did nothing wrong; there is no fire anywhere.
“The Supreme Court clarified that INEC’s discretionary powers are limited, noting that the 2022 Electoral Act did not explicitly require real-time electronic transmission of election results.
“The Nigerian Senate officially incorporated this provision into law to clarify the matter, consistent with the Court’s ruling.
Regarding the IRev Portal’s status, the Court stated that the IRev Portal is not legally recognised and that it is merely a tool for INEC to carry out its functions.
“If someone exploits the INEC IRev Portal and manipulates election results through technological means, the Court will not accept such conduct and will enshrine this stance in law. The Senate recognises and respects this judgment,” he said.
Sen. Ibrahim emphasised the validity of the election results under the new Electoral Act.
He clarified that the inability or failure to upload results to the IRev portal in real time does not invalidate the election or negate the manual collation process, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in Atiku’s case and now protected by the new law.
The Senator assured that the Senate, led by its President, Godswill Obot Akpabio, maintained transparency and that all laws passed truly reflect Nigerians’ views.
He highlighted that the Senate acts as a check and balance on both the judiciary and the executive, preserving the separation of powers in a healthy democracy.
Moreover, he called on politicians to earn victories through voters’ support, not through legislative influence.
“If we do not respect the opinion of the Supreme Court, who else do we respect?” Ibrahim concluded.