ADC condemns Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has sharply criticized the Nigerian Senate for rejecting provisions that would have mandated electronic transmission of election results, warning that the decision undermines electoral integrity and creates opportunities for result manipulation.

In a statement released Tuesday, the opposition party expressed disappointment with the upper legislative chamber’s stance, describing it as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic progress and electoral transparency.

The ADC argued that electronic transmission of results represents a crucial safeguard against electoral fraud, providing real-time verification and reducing opportunities for tampering with results during manual collation and transportation processes.

“This rejection by the Senate is a disservice to Nigerian democracy and the electorate who deserve transparent, credible elections,” the party stated. “Mandatory e-transmission of results is not just a technological upgrade; it is a fundamental requirement for electoral integrity in the 21st century.”

The party warned that maintaining manual transmission and collation methods leaves the electoral process vulnerable to manipulation, result falsification, and other forms of malpractice that have historically plagued Nigerian elections.

Electronic transmission of results has been a contentious issue in Nigeria’s electoral reform debates, with proponents arguing it would enhance transparency and build public confidence in election outcomes, while critics have cited concerns about internet connectivity in remote areas and technical infrastructure challenges.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has previously demonstrated the capacity for electronic result transmission during various elections, though its implementation has not been uniformly mandated across all polling units nationwide.

The ADC called on civil society organizations, democracy advocates, and Nigerian citizens to demand that lawmakers prioritize electoral integrity over partisan interests, emphasizing that credible elections are foundational to democratic governance.

“We urge the Senate to reconsider this position and align with global best practices in electoral administration,” the party added. “Nigerians deserve an electoral system that inspires confidence, not one that leaves room for doubt and manipulation.”

The rejection comes as Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, with stakeholders across the political spectrum continuing to debate reforms aimed at strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and processes.