Assault on Nigeria’s democracy’: Peter Obi slams Senate over rejection of e-transmission of results

Abuja — Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has strongly criticised the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the decision as a grave setback to Nigeria’s democracy and a deliberate attempt to undermine electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi made his position known in a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday.

He began by calling for prayers for the souls of more than 150 persons reportedly killed in Kwara State, noting that the tragedy partly informed his delayed reaction to what he described as “outrageous and shameful” developments surrounding Nigeria’s electoral system.

According to him, the Senate’s refusal to adopt compulsory electronic transmission of results amounts to “an unforgivable act of electoral manipulation” and a direct assault on democratic principles.

“This failure to pass a clear safeguard is nothing short of a deliberate assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” Obi said, adding that by rejecting transparency measures, lawmakers were eroding the foundation of credible elections.

He questioned the purpose of government, asking whether it exists to ensure justice and order or to institutionalise chaos for the benefit of a few individuals.

Obi argued that the controversies, disputes and alleged irregularities that characterised previous elections, particularly the 2023 general election, were largely due to the failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results. He dismissed claims of technical “glitches” during the elections as excuses, noting that many African countries have successfully adopted electronic transmission to strengthen their democracies.

“While other African nations are moving forward, Nigeria, the so-called giant of Africa, continues to lag behind, dragging itself and the continent backwards,” he said.

The former governor also criticised Nigeria’s political elite, stating that resistance to reform by those in leadership positions was responsible for the country’s governance challenges.

We waste time organising conferences and writing papers about Nigeria’s problems, when in reality, the leaders and elite are the problem,” he said, warning that continued resistance to reform was pushing the country towards what he described as a primitive system of governance.

Obi further warned that rejecting mandatory electronic transmission entrenches disorder and confusion aimed at perpetuating the interests of a small clique, urging leaders to think about the future of the country and the wellbeing of the next generation.

Referring to past remarks by international leaders, Obi noted that Nigeria often reacts angrily when criticised, but continues to validate those criticisms through actions that oppose transparency and reform.

“When we were called a ‘now disgraced nation,’ we were offended. Yet, with every act of resistance against reform, we continue to confirm those labels,” he said.

He cautioned that the alleged irregularities witnessed in the 2023 elections must not be repeated in 2027, calling on Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles.

Obi also urged the international community to pay attention to what he described as groundwork being laid for future electoral manipulation, warning that it poses serious risks to Nigeria’s democracy and development.

“A new Nigeria is possible,” he said, “but only if citizens collectively stand for transparency, accountability and credible governance.”

culled from vanguard