Photo: Mr Peter Obi
By: Mandy Park
Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the Senate’s rejection of a proposal to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory, describing the decision as a calculated move to weaken Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi in a statement said his reaction to the Senate’s action was delayed by the tragic killing of more than 150 people in communities in Kwara State.
He offered prayers for the victims and said the incident underscored the depth of Nigeria’s governance challenges.
Describing the Senate’s decision as “outrageous and shameful,” Obi argued that refusing to mandate electronic transmission removes a vital safeguard for free, fair and credible elections.
He said many of the controversies that trailed previous polls, particularly the 2023 general election, stemmed from the failure to fully deploy electronic transmission of results.
He dismissed explanations about technical “glitches” during the last elections as mere excuses, noting that several African countries have successfully adopted electronic transmission as a tool to strengthen electoral integrity and democratic governance.
According to Obi, resistance to electoral reforms by political leaders and the elite is pushing the country backwards.
He warned that rejecting transparency measures entrenches disorder and opens the door for manipulation by a few individuals pursuing narrow interests at the expense of national progress.
The former Anambra State governor also recalled past comments by foreign leaders who portrayed Nigeria as corrupt or disgraced, stressing that continued opposition to reform only reinforces such negative perceptions.
He cautioned that the electoral malpractice witnessed in 2023 must not be repeated in 2027, urging Nigerians to be prepared to lawfully resist any attempt to undermine their democratic rights.
Obi further called on the international community to pay close attention to what he described as early warning signs of planned electoral manipulation, warning that such actions pose serious threats to Nigeria’s democracy and development.
Reiterating his long-standing message, Obi said a new Nigeria is still possible, but only if citizens collectively stand firm in defence of transparency, justice and credible governance.
