**The Hidden Dangers in Nigeria's Electoral Act Amendment** As Nigerians await the final outcome of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, Mike Igini, has sounded a warning bell about the recent Senate's decision to back off on mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results in the country. In a statement, Mr. Igini expressed concerns that the caveat introduced in the Act to allow manual transmission of election results would create an opportunity for election riggers to manipulate poll outcomes. He pointed out that similar loopholes had been exploited in the past to undermine the credibility of elections, leading to the downfall of many politicians who were denied re-election party tickets. The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is not new. The Senate recently rescinded its earlier decision to reject the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, only to re-amend the Act to allow for electronic transmission with a caveat. According to the new provision, in the event of internet failure, Form EC8A will serve as the primary means of result collation. While this may seem like a compromise, Mr. Igini argues that it would only serve to perpetuate election irregularities. Nigeria's electoral system has been plagued by controversies and irregularities in the past, with many politicians accusing each other of rigging elections. The recent amendment to the Electoral Act has been hailed by some as a step in the right direction, but critics like Mr. Igini see it as a missed opportunity to address the underlying issues in the system. The consequences of this decision could be far-reaching. If election rigging is not checked, it could lead to a breakdown in trust in the electoral process, with many Nigerians questioning the legitimacy of the government. As Mr. Igini puts it, the Senate's decision may have short-term benefits, but it could ultimately lead to the downfall of a majority of incumbent legislators in 2027. In conclusion, the debate surrounding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill is far from over. While some may see the Senate's decision as a compromise, others like Mr. Igini believe that it would only serve to perpetuate election irregularities. As Nigerians look to the future, it is crucial that the underlying issues in the electoral system are addressed to ensure the credibility and legitimacy of the government.