Major opposition political parties have criticised the Senate’s decision to reject a proposal that would make real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units compulsory, warning that the move poses a threat to Nigeria’s democratic progress.
The condemnation was contained in a joint statement issued on Wednesday by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and signed by their respective National Publicity Secretaries.
The parties described the Senate’s action as a major setback for electoral reform, arguing that it undermines efforts to improve transparency and credibility in the country’s election process.
Their reaction followed the Senate’s approval of amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, during which lawmakers voted against mandating electronic transmission of results from polling units.
According to the opposition parties, the decision has drawn strong public criticism and raised doubts about the commitment of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Senate to conducting free, fair and credible elections.
They questioned what they described as a contradiction in the ruling party’s position, noting that the APC relies heavily on technology for electronic registration of its members nationwide, yet opposes the use of similar technology for election result transmission.
The opposition further alleged that the rejection was motivated by fear of electoral defeat, insisting that mandatory electronic transmission would block loopholes often exploited to manipulate results.
The statement also recalled that courts, including the Supreme Court, had previously ruled that electronic transmission was not compulsory under the current Electoral Act due to the absence of clear legislative provisions. The parties argued that this legal gap should be closed to avoid future electoral disputes.
They maintained that making electronic transmission mandatory would strengthen transparency, enhance public trust, and deepen democratic governance, warning that the Senate’s decision risks reversing gains made in electoral reforms.
Despite their concerns, the opposition parties expressed optimism that the Conference Committee of the National Assembly would align with the House of Representatives, which has endorsed mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results.
They urged members of the committee to place national interest and democratic integrity above partisan considerations as deliberations continue.
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