PDP Slams Senate Over Rejection of Electronic Transmission of Election Results

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the Senate’s decision to reject the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a deliberate attempt to undermine the credibility of the electoral process .

The Senate recently rejected a proposal to make electronic transmission of results mandatory, opting instead to retain the existing provision that allows the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the method of result transmission. This decision has been met with widespread criticism from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and pro-democracy groups .

A PDP chieftain, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has faulted the Senate’s decision, saying it is an attempt to rig the 2027 general elections. He urged the Senate President to revisit the amendment and make electronic transmission of results compulsory for INEC. Oguntoyinbo emphasized that Nigerians are not comfortable with the rejection and that the Senate’s decision is sending a wrong signal, moving Nigeria backward .

The rejection of electronic transmission of results has raised concerns about the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. According to Ini Ememobong, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, the decision is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. Ememobong noted that electronic transmission would have brought an end to the practice of altering results before it gets to the collation centres or at the collation centres .

The PDP has called on the National Assembly to reconsider its decision and pass the amendment approving electronic transmission of results. The party emphasized that this is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process and reduce apathy .