PDP Demands Mandatory Electronic Transmission of 2027 Election Results, Vows to Resist Manipulation

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for the strict implementation of electronic transmission of election results in the 2027 general elections, warning that it will resist any attempt to manipulate the process or undermine the will of Nigerians.

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At a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba, expressed the party’s concerns over what he described as “institutional manipulation” of past elections and demanded that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fully deploys technology to guarantee electoral transparency.

Citing Electoral Act Provisions

Mr Ologunagba referenced Sections 64 (4), (5), and (6) of the Electoral Act 2022, which mandate the direct recording and electronic transmission of election results from polling units using the Smart Card Reader (SCR) or any other electronic device approved by INEC.

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“There must be no glitches in 2027. If POS machines work seamlessly across the remotest parts of this country, then INEC cannot claim that its BVAS machines suddenly fail on election day. That would be deliberate, institutional manipulation, and Nigerians will not accept it,” he stated firmly.

‘Votes Must Count and Be Seen to Count’

The PDP spokesman emphasised that the technology and infrastructure needed for seamless result transmission already exist, noting that INEC had failed to fully deploy them during previous elections, including the 2023 general polls where real-time transmission reportedly suffered “glitches.”

“Nigerians use ATMs and POS machines nationwide without problems. Why then should BVAS machines fail conveniently on election day? This cannot be a coincidence. It is a calculated attempt to subvert the will of the people,” he said.

He warned that the 2027 elections must be free, fair, transparent, and devoid of excuses from INEC.

“Votes must count and be counted. The only way democracy can thrive is for INEC to guarantee real-time transmission of results to prevent manipulation. Any attempt to abridge Nigerians’ rights to choose their leaders will be firmly resisted by our party and by the Nigerian people,” he added.

ADC Supports Legal Framework

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) also backed the call for mandatory electronic transmission of results, describing it as essential for restoring public trust in the electoral process.

ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told journalists:

“If establishing a legal framework for the electronic transmission of election results will compel INEC to act rightly and deepen transparency in our electoral process, then the ADC will stand firmly in support of it. Anything that guarantees that the votes of the people genuinely count and protects the sanctity and integrity of our elections is not just desirable; it is an absolute necessity.”

Criticism of APC and Early Campaigns

Mr Ologunagba also criticised the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he described as “abandonment of governance” and overheating of the polity through early campaigns and “endorsement shopping.”

“If the APC and President Bola Tinubu were truly performing, they wouldn’t need endorsements. The real endorsement is in the lives of the people. Nigerians cannot feed their families, pay school fees, or afford basic necessities, yet this government continues to impose policies like the proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products coming in January. That is not governance; it is punishment,” he said.

The PDP spokesman accused the APC of panicking over the opposition party’s resurgence, insisting that Nigerians deserve a credible electoral process in 2027.