The Senate’s decision to remove electronic transmission of election results from the Electoral Act has drawn criticism from Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, a governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.
Ajadi warned that the move could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections and reverse progress made in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The PDP chieftain expressed his concerns in a statement issued to journalists on Friday in Ibadan, following the Senate’s rejection of provisions that would have allowed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit results directly from polling units.
According to him, excluding electronic transmission from the law creates loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate election outcomes and weaken public confidence in the electoral system.
Ajadi said many Nigerians are uncomfortable with the Senate’s action, noting that making electronic transmission optional sends the wrong signal about the country’s commitment to credible elections.
He argued that ambiguity in the Electoral Act could encourage electoral malpractice, including result manipulation, ballot box snatching and election-related violence.
The governorship aspirant called on the Senate President and lawmakers to urgently revisit the amendment and clearly mandate electronic transmission of results by INEC.
He stressed that electronic transmission remains one of the most effective safeguards for ensuring transparency and reducing post-election disputes.
Ajadi further urged the National Assembly to prioritise the will of the Nigerian people over political interests, insisting that a clear and unambiguous Electoral Act is essential for free, fair and credible elections.
He maintained that only a credible electoral framework can guarantee that leaders who emerge from elections truly reflect the choice of the electorate.
