PDP Condemns Senate's Rejection of Electronic Election Results Transmission
The Peoples Democratic Party has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigerian Senate's decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results from polling units. The opposition party described this move as shameful and dangerous to the nation's democratic processes, warning that it could severely undermine electoral credibility and public confidence in the voting system.
Senate Retains Controversial Electoral Act Provision
According to legislative developments, the Senate has chosen to retain the existing provision in Clause 60 of the 2022 Electoral Act. This provision allows election results to be transmitted in a manner prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, rather than mandating real-time electronic transmission directly from polling units to the IReV portal. The decision represents a significant setback for electoral reform advocates who had pushed for more transparent result management systems.
PDP Accuses Senate of Ignoring Public Will
In a strongly worded statement signed by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP reminded lawmakers that they serve as representatives of the Nigerian people and should therefore reflect the citizens' desires in their legislative decisions. The party emphasized that Nigerians across all 109 senatorial districts have consistently expressed support for electoral processes that are transparent and protected from manipulation.
The PDP statement declared: "We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times." The party criticized what it called an intentional and protracted delay during the amendment process of the Electoral Act, suggesting the Senate deliberately avoided implementing reforms that would enhance electoral integrity.
Concerns Over Result Manipulation at Collation Centers
The opposition party raised serious concerns that rejecting electronic transmission would perpetuate what it described as a long-standing practice of altering election results during movement from polling units to collation centers. According to the PDP's analysis, transmitting results electronically would significantly reduce opportunities for manipulating figures and ensure that final vote counts accurately reflect voters' choices at the polling stations.
"It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians desire electoral sanctity which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from the polling units," the PDP statement emphasized. The party argued that electronic transmission represents a crucial technological advancement that could address persistent concerns about result tampering that have plagued previous elections.
A Sad Day for Electoral Democracy
The PDP characterized the Senate's decision as a sad day for electoral democracy in Nigeria, suggesting that the National Assembly has demonstrated unwillingness to strengthen electoral credibility and support democratic consolidation. The party's statement explicitly noted: "This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation."
This strong language reflects the party's deep disappointment with what it perceives as a missed opportunity to implement meaningful electoral reforms that could restore public trust in Nigeria's democratic processes.
Warning About Declining Voter Participation
The PDP issued a stark warning that without such electoral reforms, public confidence in elections would continue to deteriorate, potentially leading to increased voter apathy in future elections. The party specifically cautioned that "the apathy will be worse than the last general election" if fundamental changes are not implemented to enhance transparency and accountability in result management.
The opposition party called on the National Assembly to urgently reconsider its position and approve amendments that would allow for electronic transmission of results. According to the PDP, this represents the minimum amendment necessary to increase faith in the electoral process and encourage greater citizen participation in democratic exercises.
Related Legislative Decisions
In related developments during the clause-by-clause consideration of electoral legislation, the Senate has retained the permanent voter card as the sole means of voter accreditation, rejecting proposals for electronic or alternative identification methods outlined in Clause 47. Additionally, lawmakers have voted in Clause 86 to require Direct Primaries to be conducted in accordance with political party constitutions and established guidelines.
These decisions collectively represent significant determinations about how Nigeria's electoral processes will function in upcoming elections, with implications for transparency, accessibility, and public confidence in democratic institutions.
