Former presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar have sharply criticised the Senate’s decision to reject mandatory electronic transmission of election results, warning that the move threatens the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 polls.
The reactions were contained in separate statements issued on Wednesday and shared on their verified social media platforms, following the upper chamber’s consideration of proposed amendments to the Electoral Act.
Obi described the Senate’s action as “an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation ahead of 2027,” arguing that the failure to adopt electronic transmission undermines the foundation of credible elections.
“The Senate’s blatant rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results is an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation ahead of 2027.
“This failure to pass a clear safeguard is nothing short of a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy. By rejecting these essential transparency measures, they are eroding the very foundation of credible elections.”
He linked controversies surrounding previous polls, especially the 2023 general election, to the absence of full electronic transmission, dismissing explanations offered at the time.
“The turmoil, disputes, and manipulations that plagued past elections, especially the 2023 general election, stemmed directly from the refusal to fully implement electronic transmission. Nigerians were fed excuses of a fabricated ‘glitch’ that never existed.”
Obi warned that resistance to electoral reform was dragging the country backwards and urged citizens to prepare for lawful resistance to electoral malpractice.
“Let there be no illusion, the criminality witnessed in 2023 will not be tolerated in 2027. Nigerians everywhere must start getting ready to resist and reject the backward trajectory, legitimately and decisively reclaim our country from the clutches of deliberate malevolence.”
He also called on the global community to monitor developments closely.
“The International community must take heed of this groundwork for continued future electoral manipulation, endangering our democracy and development.”
In his own reaction, Atiku said the Senate’s decision amounted to a direct blow against transparency and public trust.
“The decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject the real-time electronic transmission of election results is a deliberate assault on electoral transparency.
“This ill-advised action represents a grave setback for electoral reform and a calculated blow against transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.”
Atiku argued that electronic transmission was a safeguard rather than a partisan demand, stressing its role in reducing interference and manipulation.
“Real-time electronic transmission of results is not a partisan demand; it is a democratic safeguard.”
He questioned the commitment of those in power to credible elections in 2027 and criticised what he described as a pattern of resisting reforms that promote openness.
“This decision raises troubling questions about the commitment of the ruling political establishment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.”
The former vice president urged sustained pressure from stakeholders to protect the electoral process.
“I call on Nigerians, civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to take note of this regression and to continue demanding an electoral system that reflects modern democratic standards.
“Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation. Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy,” he said.
