ATIKU RAISES CONCERNS AS SENATE REJECTS REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC RESULT TRANSMISSION

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has taken a swipe at the Senate for rejecting real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the decision as a blow to electoral transparency and a development that favours incumbents as the 2027 elections draw closer.

In a statement released on Wednesday night by his Media Office, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said the decision represents a major setback to electoral reform and threatens public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

According to Atiku, the Senate’s action runs contrary to global democratic trends, where technology is increasingly deployed to enhance credibility and transparency in elections.

He argued that rejecting real-time electronic transmission amounts to deliberately preserving loopholes that have historically enabled manipulation, result tampering, and prolonged post-election disputes.

Atiku maintained that real-time electronic transmission is not a partisan issue but a critical democratic safeguard that reduces human interference and ensures that votes recorded at polling units are accurately reflected in final results.

He also faulted the Senate’s decision to retain provisions similar to those in the 2022 Electoral Act, describing them as vague and insufficient to guarantee transparency.

The former Vice President warned that the development raises serious concerns about the political establishment’s commitment to conducting free, fair, and credible elections as the 2027 polls approach.

He noted a recurring pattern in which reforms that promote transparency are resisted, while ambiguities that benefit those in power are sustained.

Reiterating his call for democratic reforms, Atiku stressed that Nigeria’s electoral process must align with modern realities, technological advancement, and the expectations of citizens.

He insisted that elections should reflect the will of voters, not be determined by manual delays, procedural loopholes, or behind-the-scenes alterations.

Atiku urged Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media, and the international community to remain vigilant and continue advocating reforms that strengthen Nigeria’s electoral integrity and bring it in line with global democratic standards.

He added that anything short of transparent, verifiable, and credible elections would amount to a betrayal of democracy and an injustice to the electorate.