Atiku Slams Senate Over Rejection of Real-Time Results Transmission

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has criticised the Senate for rejecting the proposal for real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the decision as a major setback for electoral reforms in Nigeria.

The Senate took the decision while considering the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, rejecting both the plan for real-time transmission of results and a proposed 10-year ban on vote buyers. Instead, lawmakers retained the existing punishment for vote buying, which includes fines or jail terms.

The Senate also maintained the provision on electronic transfer of election results as contained in the Electoral Act 2022.

Reacting in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) page on Thursday, Atiku described the Senate’s action as a “deliberate assault on electoral transparency,” warning that it undermines credibility and public trust in the democratic process.

He argued that while other democracies are adopting technology to strengthen elections, Nigeria’s lawmakers are “clinging to opacity” and preserving loopholes that have historically encouraged manipulation, tampering, and post-election disputes.

According to him, real-time electronic transmission of results is not a partisan issue but a safeguard that reduces human interference and protects the will of voters.

Atiku said the decision raises serious concerns about the political establishment’s commitment to credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He urged Nigerians, civil society groups, the media, and the international community to resist what he described as a dangerous regression in Nigeria’s democracy.

“Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation,” he said.