Former Anambra state governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) Chieftain, Peter Obi has strongly condemned the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and manipulate the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Obi said the decision confirms Nigeria’s “now disgraced status” as a nation unwilling to embrace transparency and reform. He linked the Senate’s action to the persistent electoral controversies that have plagued the country, particularly during the 2023 general election.
Obi said he delayed responding to the Senate’s decision due to the tragic killing of over 150 people in Kwara State, urging Nigerians to first mourn the victims before confronting what he called another national disgrace.
According to him, the refusal to make electronic transmission of results mandatory is an unforgivable act that weakens electoral credibility and entrenches chaos in the democratic process.
He argued that the confusion, disputes, and allegations of manipulation during the 2023 elections were largely caused by the failure to fully implement electronic transmission, noting that Nigerians were misled with claims of a non-existent technical glitch.
Obi criticised Nigeria’s political elite for resisting reforms, saying the country continues to lag behind other African nations that have adopted technology to strengthen their democracies.
“While other African countries move forward, Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, continues to drag itself backwards,” he said.
He warned that rejecting a critical safeguard such as electronic transmission only serves the interests of a small clique determined to perpetuate disorder for personal gain.
Obi also recalled past remarks by foreign leaders who labelled Nigeria corrupt and disgraced, stating that ongoing resistance to transparency only reinforces such perceptions.
He cautioned that electoral malpractice witnessed in 2023 must not be repeated in 2027, insisting Nigerians must remain vigilant and prepared to legitimately resist any attempt to subvert the democratic process.
“The international community must take note of these dangerous steps toward future electoral manipulation,” Obi said.
He concluded by urging citizens to stand firm in defence of democracy, stressing that a new Nigeria remains possible if the people collectively reject deliberate backwardness.
