The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized the Senate for rejecting a provision mandating the electronic transmission of election results, describing the decision as shameful and detrimental to transparent and credible elections.
Stallion Times reports that on Wednesday, the Senate passed the Electoral Act (Repeal and Enactment) Bill, 2026, after considering and approving all 155 clauses, with several amendments made while the majority were retained as proposed.
However, lawmakers rejected a key amendment that sought to make the electronic transmission of results from polling units compulsory.
In a statement issued Wednesday night by its spokesperson, Ini Ememobong, the PDP condemned the Senate’s action, accusing it of undermining electoral integrity.
“Today, after an intentional and protracted delay, the Senate, while passing the amendment to the Electoral Act, rejected the electronic transmission of results at the polling units.
“This rejection is most shameful and unfortunate, and deserves condemnation from all democratic-minded persons,” the statement read.
The opposition party noted that Nigerians across the country overwhelmingly desire credible elections, which it said would be better guaranteed through the electronic transmission of results from polling units.
“It is common knowledge that the majority of Nigerians across the 109 senatorial districts desire electoral sanctity, which is better ensured through the electronic transmission of votes,” the PDP stated.
According to the PDP, past elections have been marred by widespread alteration of results before or during collation, a practice it said electronic transmission would have eliminated.
“This system would have put an end to the ignoble practice often deployed by politicians to subvert the will of the people as expressed through the ballot,” it added.
The PDP further described the Senate’s rejection of electronic transmission as “a clear indication that the National Assembly is not willing or ready to legislate for electoral sanctity and democratic consolidation.”
The party urged the National Assembly to reconsider its position and approve the amendment, warning that failure to do so could further erode public confidence in the electoral process.
“This is the minimum amendment required to restore faith in elections. Without it, voter apathy may worsen beyond what was witnessed in the last general election, to the detriment of democracy,” the statement concluded.
