Atiku Abubakar Condemns Senate's Rejection of Electronic Election Results Transmission
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a strong condemnation of the Nigerian Senate's decision to reject the proposal for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units. The political heavyweight described this legislative action as a deliberate assault on electoral transparency that threatens to undermine public confidence in Nigeria's democratic processes.
A Calculated Move Against Electoral Integrity
In a statement released through his official social media channels on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Atiku characterized the Senate's decision as far from accidental. He asserted that this represents a calculated maneuver against the fundamental principles of transparency, credibility, and public trust that should underpin Nigeria's electoral system. The former presidential candidate emphasized that while democracies worldwide are embracing technological advancements to strengthen their electoral processes, Nigeria appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
"The decision of the Nigerian Senate to reject the real-time electronic transmission of election results is a deliberate assault on electoral transparency," Atiku declared in his statement. He further argued that by rejecting this technological safeguard, the Senate is consciously choosing to maintain opacity within the electoral system, thereby preserving loopholes that have historically enabled manipulation and fueled post-election disputes.
Democratic Safeguard Versus Partisan Interests
Atiku made a crucial distinction in his critique, emphasizing that real-time electronic transmission of results should not be viewed as a partisan demand but rather as a fundamental democratic safeguard. He stressed that elections should ultimately be determined by the will of voters expressed at polling units, not by procedural delays, potential manipulation, or prolonged legal battles that often follow contested elections.
The former vice president warned that democracy must evolve alongside technological advancements, cautioning against what he termed "manual delays" and "backroom alterations" that could compromise electoral integrity. He expressed particular concern that the Senate's decision raises serious questions about the commitment of Nigeria's political establishment to conduct free, fair, and credible elections as the country approaches the 2027 general election.
Broader Opposition and Civil Society Concerns
Atiku's condemnation aligns with broader opposition to the Senate's decision, as major political parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have jointly criticized the legislative action. These opposition parties warned in a February 5, 2026 statement that the Senate's rejection could weaken Nigeria's democracy and reverse years of progress toward electoral transparency.
The former vice president called upon Nigerian citizens, civil society organizations, media institutions, and the international community to remain vigilant regarding what he characterized as a regression in electoral reforms. He emphasized that Nigeria deserves electoral processes that are transparent, verifiable, and resistant to manipulation at every stage.
Context of the Legislative Decision
The Senate's controversial decision maintains the existing provision in Clause 60 of the 2022 Electoral Act, which allows election results to be transmitted in a manner prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rather than mandating real-time electronic transmission. This legislative choice has sparked significant debate about Nigeria's commitment to electoral modernization and transparency.
Atiku concluded his statement by urging sustained pressure for comprehensive electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, emphasizing that technological safeguards like electronic transmission represent essential components of a credible democratic process that can withstand scrutiny and foster public confidence.
