PDP Condemns Senate Over Rejection of Real-Time Electronic Result Transmission

PDP Condemns Senate Over Rejection of Real-Time Electronic Result Transmission

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the Nigerian Senate over its decision to reject the real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a deliberate setback to Nigeria’s democracy and a threat to credible elections.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the opposition party said the Senate’s action undermines efforts to ensure transparent, free and fair elections, particularly ahead of future national polls.

According to the PDP, rejecting real-time electronic transmission of results contradicts global best practices and weakens public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the overall electoral process.

The party argued that electronic transmission of election results is a critical safeguard against vote manipulation, result alteration, and electoral fraud, especially during the collation stage, which has historically been the most controversial phase of Nigerian elections.

The PDP accused the Senate of acting in the interest of political actors who benefit from manual result collation, alleging that the decision was designed to preserve loopholes that enable rigging and post-election disputes.

“The refusal to allow real-time electronic transmission of results is a clear attempt to roll back democratic gains and frustrate the will of the Nigerian people,” the party said.

The opposition party also noted that Nigeria has the technological capacity to support electronic result transmission, pointing to previous elections where INEC successfully deployed digital tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).

According to the PDP, blocking real-time transmission sends the wrong signal to voters, particularly young Nigerians, who have repeatedly demanded greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

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The party further warned that the Senate’s decision could deepen voter apathy and increase post-election tensions, as citizens may lose faith in the credibility of declared results.

The PDP called on civil society organisations, pro-democracy groups, and the international community to speak out against the decision and pressure lawmakers to reverse what it described as an “anti-democratic stance.”

It also urged the Senate to reconsider its position in the interest of national stability, stressing that credible elections remain the foundation of democratic governance.

The Senate had earlier voted against proposals seeking to mandate real-time electronic transmission of results, insisting instead on retaining existing procedures that allow discretion in how results are collated and uploaded.

The development has continued to spark reactions across the political landscape, with analysts warning that the decision could have far-reaching implications for future elections in Nigeria.

PDP Condemns Senate Over Rejection of Real-Time Electronic Result Transmission