Major opposition political parties in Nigeria have jointly condemned the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units, describing the move as a setback for democratic progress.
In a statement issued after a meeting on Thursday, the parties said the decision represents a “retrogressive act” that could undermine transparency and public trust in future elections.
The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong (PDP), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi (ADC), and Bamofin Ladipo Johnson (NNPP), who accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of resisting technological reforms that could strengthen electoral credibility.
According to them, the Senate’s position has triggered widespread concern among Nigerians and may reverse gains made in improving the integrity of the electoral process.
“We are at a loss as to why a party that is currently deploying technology to run an e-registration of its members across the country is averse to using technology to transmit election results,” the statement read.
The opposition parties alleged that the rejection of electronic transmission may be aimed at preserving loopholes for electoral manipulation, claiming the ruling party fears a free and fair contest in the 2027 general elections.
They urged members of the National Assembly’s conference committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ position, which reportedly supports mandatory electronic transmission, and to prioritise national democratic interests above party considerations.
“The grave implications of this retrogressive act by the Senate have compelled us as spokespersons of the major opposition political parties to jointly address this issue, which is capable of derailing our hard-earned democracy,” the statement added.
The parties warned that failure to strengthen the use of technology in elections could erode voter confidence and deepen political tensions ahead of future polls.
