The Nigerian Senate’s recent decision to reject mandatory electronic transmission of election results has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts and opposition parties, who warn it could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu described the move as a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking exclusively to Daily Post, Shehu said the refusal to adopt e-transmission – the direct digital reporting of polling unit results risks eroding public trust in the electoral process.
“When votes are not counted transparently, citizens may feel their participation is meaningless,” Shehu said. He likened the potential impact to a combination of global disasters like HIV, Ebola, and a tsunami, warning that the long-term damage to democratic institutions could be severe.
Shehu also criticized the weakening of checks and balances in Nigeria, accusing the executive, legislature, and judiciary of failing to hold each other accountable. He claimed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has increasingly aligned with the presidency, raising doubts about the fairness of future elections.
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) echoed these concerns, describing the Senate’s action as a deliberate political strategy to favor the ruling party ahead of the 2027 polls. NNPP Kano State Publicity Secretary Engr. Ibrahim Karaye said the amendment was aimed at reducing transparency and accountability in the electoral process, especially after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s narrow 2023 victory with minority votes.
Despite these concerns, Karaye emphasized that Nigerians remain politically aware and determined to protect their votes. “Citizens must be vigilant and actively defend their electoral rights. Participation in elections is the best way to safeguard democracy,” he said.
The controversy over e-transmission highlights growing fears that Nigeria’s electoral system may be vulnerable to manipulation unless key reforms are implemented. Analysts warn that with the 2027 elections approaching, the stakes for transparency and public trust have never been higher.
