The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have condemned the Nigerian Senate’s decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a “shameful, regressive” move that threatens the integrity of the country’s electoral process.
In a statement on Wednesday, the PDP accused the Senate of deliberate delay and bad faith in handling amendments to the Electoral Act. The party described the rejection as a direct assault on democratic consolidation and a clear signal that lawmakers are unwilling to protect the transparency of elections.
Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, said the decision drew widespread condemnation from “all democratic-minded Nigerians,” urging senators to remember that they are delegates of the people’s sovereign will and must reflect public demand for credible elections.
“The majority of Nigerians across the 109 senatorial districts desire electoral sanctity, which is best guaranteed through electronic transmission of votes from polling units,” Ememobong said. “We are all witnesses to the widespread manipulation of results before or during collation. Electronic transmission would have ended this practice, ensuring elections reflect the true will of the people.”
The PDP warned that the Senate’s action would deepen voter apathy and erode public confidence, calling on the National Assembly to reconsider its position immediately.
Similarly, the ADC, in a statement on Thursday signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC-controlled Senate of deliberately weakening Nigeria’s electoral laws to facilitate future rigging.
“Foremost among these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results, signaling yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of Nigerians and manipulate future elections,” the party said.
The ADC also faulted the Senate for voting down other proposed reforms, including:
- Allowing electronic download of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.
- Reducing the statutory notice period for elections.
- Shortening the timeline for the publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days.
According to the ADC, these measures were intended to enhance transparency, close loopholes for abuse, and restore public trust in elections. The party argued that rejecting them would expand opportunities for rigging and place unnecessary logistical burdens on INEC.
“By rejecting critical reforms, the APC has shown its desire to cling to power at all costs, including through legislative tampering,” the ADC said. The party urged Nigerians to hold the ruling party accountable and called on the Electoral Act Conference Committee to disregard the Senate’s stance and pass amendments that reflect democratic principles and the will of the people.