The Peoples Democratic Party under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has criticised the Senate’s decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results at polling units, describing the move as shameful and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said the Senate’s action followed what it described as an “intentional and protracted delay” before the passage of amendments to the Electoral Act.
The PDP said the refusal to approve electronic transmission of results runs contrary to the wishes of the majority of Nigerians who desire credible, transparent and verifiable elections.
“The rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, attracting condemnation from all democratic-minded persons,” the party stated.
The opposition party reminded lawmakers that they were elected as representatives of the people and are expected to reflect the will and aspirations of voters across their constituencies.
“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 statement read.
According to the PDP, the electronic transmission of results would significantly enhance electoral integrity by curbing manipulation during the manual collation process.
“It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians across the 109 senatorial districts desire electoral sanctity, which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from polling units,” the party stated.
The PDP noted that result tampering often occurs between polling units and collation centres, adding that electronic transmission would help eliminate such practices allegedly used by politicians to overturn the will of the electorate.
The party argued that the Senate’s decision reflects a lack of commitment by the National Assembly to enact reforms that strengthen democracy and guarantee credible elections.
“This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy,” the statement said.
The PDP called on the National Assembly to urgently reconsider its stance and approve amendments that would allow for the electronic transmission of election results, stressing that such reform represents the minimum requirement needed to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“This is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process, without which voter apathy may worsen beyond what was recorded in the last general election, a development that would be greatly unhelpful to democracy,” the party warned.
