Prominent opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly, including Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, and others, have renewed calls for the retention of real-time electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Bill, warning that any reversal would undermine Nigeria’s democratic integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.
The senators made their positions known during deliberations on electoral reforms, stressing that transparent result transmission remains fundamental to credible elections and accountable governance. They argued that technological transparency is no longer optional but essential for strengthening trust between citizens and democratic institutions.
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan described real-time electronic transmission as a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation, insisting that removing the provision would pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
“I, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, support the real-time electronic transmission of results. The failure to retain this provision constitutes a lethal assault on Nigeria’s democracy,” she said.
The Kogi Central lawmaker maintained that credible elections depend on transparency at every stage of the voting and collation process, emphasizing that Nigerians must be assured that their votes truly count.
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe highlighted the weight of public trust placed on elected representatives, urging lawmakers 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. That trust has been handed to us by Nigerians to do the absolute best for the country,” Abaribe stated.
He warned that weakening transparency mechanisms within the electoral framework would contradict that trust and risk eroding citizens’ faith in governance.
Other opposition figures, including Senator Aminu Tambuwal, aligned with the call to preserve electronic transmission, arguing that Nigeria must continue to embrace reforms consistent with global democratic standards and evolving electoral best practices.
The renewed insistence comes amid broader national debate on electoral amendments, with civil society organizations and election observers urging lawmakers to prioritize transparency, accountability, and institutional credibility ahead of future elections.
The final decision on electronic transmission could significantly influence voter confidence and the perceived legitimacy of future electoral outcomes. For the opposition bloc, however, the position remains firm: a credible democracy must be anchored on transparent, technology-driven elections that reflect the true will of the people.