Major Opposition Parties Unite in Condemnation of Senate's Electoral Act Amendment
In a significant political development, three major opposition parties in Nigeria have jointly condemned the Senate's recent decision to reject a proposal that would have made real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units mandatory. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) issued a strong rebuke against what they describe as a retrogressive move that threatens the very foundation of Nigeria's democratic process.
Senate's Controversial Decision Sparks Nationwide Concern
The Nigerian Senate has retained the provision in Clause 60 of the 2022 Electoral Act that allows election results to be transmitted in a manner prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), rather than making electronic transmission mandatory. This decision comes despite growing calls from various stakeholders for enhanced electoral transparency through technological solutions.
The proposed amendment was specifically designed to strengthen transparency in the electoral process by ensuring that results are uploaded immediately after voting, thereby reducing the risk of alteration during the manual movement of result sheets. Opposition parties argue that this technological safeguard is crucial for maintaining the integrity of Nigeria's electoral system.
Joint Opposition Statement Highlights Democratic Concerns
In a joint press statement dated February 5, 2026, the opposition parties expressed grave concerns about the Senate's action, warning that it could weaken Nigeria's democracy and reverse years of progress toward electoral transparency. The statement was jointly signed by Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP; Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC; and Bamofin Ladipo Johnson, National Publicity Secretary of the NNPP.
The parties described the Senate's decision as a major setback that could derail democratic progress in Nigeria. They emphasized that the move is not only retrogressive but also capable of undermining the confidence that Nigerians have gradually built in the electoral system over recent years.
Technological Inconsistency and Political Implications
The opposition parties raised pointed questions about the ruling All Progressives Congress's (APC) opposition to using technology for transmitting election results while simultaneously deploying similar technology for other political processes. They specifically highlighted the APC's use of digital platforms for membership registration and e-registration, arguing that the same technological principles should logically apply to election result transmission.
According to the joint statement, "The Senate's position appears inconsistent with modern electoral requirements. Contemporary elections demand technological support to reduce manipulation and increase credibility. The refusal to make electronic transmission mandatory seems to be part of a broader attempt to weaken transparency and preserve advantage for the ruling party."
Historical Context and Judicial Precedents
The opposition parties referenced the last general election and the subsequent legal disputes, noting that courts—including the Supreme Court—had ruled that the Electoral Act 2022 did not explicitly make electronic transmission mandatory. They argued that making electronic transmission mandatory would provide stronger legal backing for judicial interpretation while simultaneously increasing transparency, public trust, and belief in the electoral process.
"In the last election, we witnessed numerous cases where the court, especially the Supreme Court, held that there was nowhere in the principal Act where electronic transmission was made mandatory," the statement noted, emphasizing how this legal gap has created vulnerabilities in the electoral system.
Accusations of Protecting Electoral Loopholes
The joint statement contained strong accusations against the ruling party, suggesting that the APC is attempting to protect loopholes in the electoral process that could be exploited to manipulate outcomes. The opposition parties claimed that the ruling party is aware of growing public dissatisfaction and fears that credible elections would threaten its chances at future polls.
They expressed particular concern that the Senate, which they described as APC-led, may have taken the country backwards by many decades with this decision. The parties warned that this move could damage democratic consolidation, especially at a time when Nigerians are demanding stronger safeguards against electoral malpractice.
Call for Conference Committee Action
The opposition parties emphasized that the next decision now rests with the conference committee, urging its members to align with the Nigerian people by adopting the position of the House of Representatives, which supports mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
"The ball is now in the court of the conference committee, and we strongly urge its members to align themselves with the Nigerian people by adopting the position of the House of Representatives," the statement declared. They appealed to the committee to act in the best interest of Nigerians and future generations, warning that failure to do so could result in the imposition of anti-democratic laws.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Democracy
The parties expressed disappointment that lawmakers failed to rise above partisan interests and act in the best interest of Nigeria's democracy. "Regardless of their party affiliation, we would have expected the Senators to rise above party sentiments and act in the best interest of democracy... But as usual, they failed the people they are supposed to represent," the statement lamented.
This development comes at a critical juncture in Nigeria's democratic journey, with the opposition parties warning that the Senate's rejection has effectively returned Nigeria to a situation where fears about result manipulation remain unresolved. They noted that the rejection has attracted condemnation from Nigerians across the country, regardless of political affiliation, indicating widespread concern about the health of the nation's electoral system.
The unified stance of these three major opposition parties represents a significant moment in Nigerian politics, highlighting growing concerns about electoral integrity and the role of technology in safeguarding democratic processes. As the debate continues, all eyes will be on the conference committee's decision and its potential impact on Nigeria's electoral future.
