The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) under the leadership of Tanimu Turaki (SAN) has criticised Senate’s decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results at polling units, describing the move as shameful and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party said the Senate’s action followed what it described as an “intentional and protracted delay” before the passage of amendments to the Electoral Act.
According to the PDP, the refusal to approve electronic transmission of results runs contrary to the wishes of the majority of Nigerians, who desire credible and transparent elections.
“The rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, attracting condemnation from all democratic-minded persons,” the party said.
ALSO READ: BREAKING: Senate Rejects Electronic Transmission Of Election Results
The PDP reminded lawmakers that they were elected as representatives of the people and should reflect the will of voters across their constituencies.
“We charge our lawmakers to remember that they are delegates of power invested in them by the voters in their various constituencies and must endeavour to mirror their desires and wishes at all times,” the statement read.
The party argued that electronic transmission of results would significantly improve electoral integrity by curbing the manipulation of results during manual collation.
“It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians across the 109 senatorial districts desire electoral sanctity, which is better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of votes from polling units,” the PDP stated.
It noted that result tampering often occurs between polling units and collation centres, adding that electronic transmission would help eliminate such practices allegedly used by politicians to overturn the will of voters.
According to the PDP, the Senate’s decision signals a lack of commitment by the National Assembly to enact laws that strengthen democracy and ensure credible elections.
“This rejection is a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation. This is indeed a sad day for electoral democracy,” the statement said.
The opposition party called on the National Assembly to urgently reconsider its position and approve amendments that would allow for electronic transmission of election results.
It stressed that such a reform represents the minimum requirement needed to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
“This is the minimum amendment that can increase faith in the electoral process, without which voter apathy may worsen beyond what was recorded in the last general election, a development that would be greatly unhelpful to democracy,” the PDP warned.
