Joseph Bakare
Open Alliance has strongly condemned the decision of the 10th Nigerian Senate to step down the use of electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 general elections and beyond.
This decision represents a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress and undermines years of efforts to strengthen electoral transparency, credibility, and public trust.
Electronic transmission of results is a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation, result tampering, and post-election disputes. By limiting or removing this tool, the Senate risks reopening long-standing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral process; vulnerabilities that have historically fueled public distrust, litigation, and political instability.
At a time when Nigerians are demanding greater accountability and when technology offers proven solutions to improve electoral integrity, this decision sends the wrong signal to citizens, election observers, and the international community.
Open Alliance notes that electronic transmission of results is not a partisan issue. It is a democratic imperative that protects the votes of Nigerians across political, ethnic, and religious lines. Therefore, the Senate should be working to strengthen its implementation, address genuine logistical concerns, and empower INEC to deliver elections that reflect the true choice of voters.
Open Alliance therefore calls on the Nigerian Senate to immediately rescind this decision and recommit to reforms that promote free, fair, and credible elections. We also urge lawmakers to engage civil society organizations, election experts, and citizens in open consultations aimed at improving, not undermining the integrity of the 2027 general elections.
Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when the electoral process is transparent, secure, and trusted by the people. Anything less threatens the foundation of our democratic republic.