A senior figure in Nigeria’s New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has urged the Senate to abandon proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, warning that blocking real-time electronic transmission of election results would undermine electoral integrity and provoke public backlash.
Buba Galadima, an NNPP chieftain, made the statement during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ on Thursday. He argued that opposition to electronic transmission is solely driven by individuals with intent to manipulate outcomes. Galadima accused senators of duplicity, suggesting they are misleading the public by appearing to support technology while crafting clauses that would compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rely on manual forms susceptible to manipulation.
“Why should they tell us we should do real-time electronically and at the same time said another thing?” Galadima stated. He claimed the legislative move, allegedly made under pressure, is designed to force INEC to use specific paper forms—referenced as EC8—to facilitate rigging and retain political power. “It is either electronic transfer of election results or nothing,” he asserted, adding that the Senate cannot adopt a half-measure approach.
The comments centre on ongoing debates over amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act. The legislation governs how elections are conducted, including result collation and transmission. Proponents of electronic transmission argue it enhances transparency and reduces opportunities for alteration, while critics raise concerns about infrastructure reliability and potential technical failures.
Galadima’s intervention highlights the deep political contention surrounding electoral reforms. The Senate’s stance is perceived by some as a step back from commitments made after the 2023 general elections, which were marked by delayed results and allegations of irregularities. INEC has consistently advocated for the legal backing to implement real-time transmission, stating the technology is feasible.
The NNPP’s position aligns with demands from civil society organisations and some opposition parties who view electronic transmission as non-negotiable for credible polls. They warn that any legislative obstacle could fuel voter apathy and distrust in democratic processes. Conversely, some lawmakers have called for a phased approach, citing national technological readiness.
This dispute underscores a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s electoral framework. As the legislature finalises amendments, the balance between technological ambition and practical implementation remains a critical, divisive issue. The outcome will directly shape preparations for future elections and the public’s confidence in the system’s ability to reflect the popular will accurately and promptly.
