A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to reject a provision in the proposed Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, which permits the manual transmission of election results as a backup to electronic transmission. The PDP warned that the clause could weaken transparency and compromise the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The call follows deliberations in the National Assembly, where lawmakers debated the inclusion of a manual collation backup despite approving electronic transmission as the primary method. The PDP described the development as a setback for electoral reforms aimed at strengthening public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.
Senate Approves Electronic Transmission with Manual Backup
During a plenary session on Tuesday, the Senate approved the electronic transmission of election results but retained manual collation as a fallback option. The decision came after a debate on Clause 60 of the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, which addresses the procedures for transmitting and collating election results.
The vote revealed a sharp division among lawmakers. Fifty-five senators supported the retention of the manual backup clause, while 15 senators opposed it. Among those who objected was Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who, along with 14 others, voted against the provision, citing concerns over potential misuse.
Supporters of the clause argued that manual transmission could serve as a safeguard in areas where electronic systems fail due to technical or logistical challenges. Opponents, however, warned that the inclusion of manual processes could open the door to manipulation and undermine previous gains made in electoral reforms.
PDP Criticises House of Representatives’ Position
Reacting to the development, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, issued a statement condemning what the party described as a reversal of a “pro-people” stance by the House of Representatives. According to the PDP statement, the House had previously indicated support for exclusive electronic transmission but later aligned with the Senate’s position.
The PDP characterised the adoption of the Senate’s version of the bill as a breach of public trust. It argued that lawmakers, as representatives of the people, have a duty to legislate in a manner that safeguards transparency and strengthens democratic institutions.
The PDP further maintained that retaining manual transmission as a backup mechanism could deepen electoral opacity and erode confidence in the 2027 general elections. It called on citizens, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to oppose the clause and advocate for reforms that prioritise accountability and transparency.
Concerns Ahead of the 2027 General Elections
The debate over electronic versus manual transmission reflects broader concerns about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system. In recent election cycles, the introduction of electronic technologies was widely viewed as a step toward reducing irregularities and enhancing real-time transparency.
However, questions remain regarding infrastructure limitations, technical failures, and the capacity of electoral authorities to manage fully digital systems nationwide. Proponents of the manual backup argue that it provides an additional layer of assurance in case of system breakdowns, particularly in remote areas.
As the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2026, progresses through legislative procedures, stakeholders are expected to intensify advocacy efforts. The outcome may significantly influence preparations for the 2027 polls and shape public perception of Nigeria’s democratic resilience.
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