Prominent opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, have cautioned against any attempt to remove the provision for real-time electronic transmission of election results from the amended Electoral Bill.

They warned that such a move could weaken Nigeria’s democratic foundations and erode public confidence in elections.

The lawmakers made their positions known during debates on proposed electoral reforms, stressing that transparent result transmission remains central to credible elections and accountable governance.

They argued that technology-driven transparency is no longer optional but essential for restoring trust between citizens and democratic institutions.

Akpoti-Uduaghan, who spoke forcefully during the deliberations, described real-time electronic transmission as a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation, insisting that its removal would pose a serious threat to democracy.

“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, support the real-time electronic transmission of results,” she said.

“The failure to retain this provision constitutes a lethal assault on Nigeria’s democracy.”

The Kogi Central lawmaker maintained that credible elections depend on transparency at every stage of voting and collation, adding that Nigerians must be assured that their votes truly count and are transmitted without interference.

Echoing her concerns, Senator Abaribe highlighted the trust placed on lawmakers by the electorate, urging his colleagues to act in a manner that protects democratic values and the national interest.

“Every one of us who has the privilege to represent a senatorial district came here under the trust of our people,” Abaribe said.

“That trust has been handed to us by Nigerians to do the absolute best for the country.”

He warned that weakening transparency mechanisms within the electoral framework would contradict that trust and further deepen public scepticism about governance and elections.

Other opposition figures, including former Sokoto State governor Aminu Tambuwal, aligned with the call to retain electronic transmission, arguing that Nigeria must continue to embrace electoral reforms consistent with global democratic standards and evolving best practices.

The renewed push comes amid intense national debate over amendments to the Electoral Act, with civil society organisations and election observers repeatedly urging lawmakers to prioritise transparency, accountability and institutional credibility ahead of future polls.

As deliberations continue, opposition lawmakers insist that the fate of electronic transmission will play a decisive role in shaping voter confidence and the perceived legitimacy of future elections, maintaining that a credible democracy must be anchored on transparent, technology-driven electoral processes. (The Sun)

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