The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have urged the National Assembly’s conference committee to overturn the Senate’s stance and adopt compulsory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the opposition parties criticised the Senate’s rejection of a proposal seeking to make electronic transmission of results from polling units mandatory, describing the move as a setback for electoral transparency and democratic accountability.
They alleged that the decision, taken by a Senate largely controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), could create openings for manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The parties argued that the amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, which excluded mandatory electronic transmission, undermines ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and ensure credible elections.
According to the statement signed by their spokespersons, the Senate’s action has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians and raised questions about the commitment of lawmakers to free and fair elections.
They also faulted what they described as a contradiction in the ruling party’s position, noting that the APC deploys digital technology for internal membership registration but resists its use for transmitting election results.
The opposition maintained that making electronic transmission compulsory would close loopholes often exploited during elections, enhance transparency, and boost public trust in the democratic process.
They referenced previous court rulings, including decisions of the Supreme Court, which held that the current Electoral Act does not expressly mandate electronic transmission, arguing that lawmakers should have corrected the gap through legislative reforms.
The parties warned that failure to strengthen legal safeguards could reverse progress made in recent electoral reforms and deepen mistrust in the system.
They therefore called on members of the National Assembly conference committee to adopt the House of Representatives’ position supporting mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results and to prioritise national interest over partisan considerations.
Describing the moment as critical for Nigeria’s democratic future, the opposition urged lawmakers to act decisively to protect the credibility of upcoming elections and reinforce public confidence in the electoral framework.
