Atiku Abubakar Opposes Senate’s Proposal on Dual Transmission of Election Results

Former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, has openly opposed the Senate’s recent decision to allow a combination of electronic and manual transmission of election results, warning that the approach could undermine electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku made his position known while reacting to the latest update from the Senate on proposed amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act. According to him, introducing a dual system of result transmission risks creating confusion, weakening transparency, and reopening loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate election outcomes.

“I oppose the Senate’s decision to combine electronic and manual transmission of election results. It will cause confusion. Opposition parties must unite to address this,” Atiku stated.

The Senate’s proposed amendment has generated intense public debate, with critics arguing that allowing manual transmission alongside electronic processes could dilute the gains recorded from the introduction of election technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV).

Atiku aligned himself with those who believe that electronic transmission of results should be mandatory and uniform across the country. He maintained that Nigeria’s electoral challenges over the years have largely stemmed from the collation and transmission stages of elections, where manual handling often creates opportunities for result alteration.

Political observers note that the former vice president’s stance reflects growing concern among opposition figures and civil society groups that the Senate’s proposal may inadvertently legitimize inconsistencies in result transmission, especially in areas where electronic systems could be deliberately undermined to justify a return to manual methods.

Atiku also called for greater coordination among opposition parties, stressing that electoral integrity is not a partisan issue but a national one. He argued that without a transparent and verifiable process, public trust in elections would continue to erode, potentially leading to post-election disputes, prolonged litigation, and political instability.

The Senate, however, has defended its position, with supporters of the amendment arguing that Nigeria’s uneven network infrastructure necessitates flexibility in result transmission. They contend that a hybrid approach would prevent the disenfranchisement of voters in areas with limited connectivity.

Despite these arguments, critics insist that allowing manual transmission as an alternative rather than an exception effectively weakens the system. They warn that it mirrors challenges witnessed during the 2023 general elections, when delays and inconsistencies in electronic uploads fueled allegations of manipulation and loss of public confidence.

Reactions to Atiku’s statement have been mixed across political and social spaces. While many Nigerians and opposition supporters have applauded his position, others have dismissed it as politically motivated or questioned his influence on the legislative process.

As the 2027 elections draw closer, the debate over electronic versus manual transmission of results continues to dominate national discourse. Stakeholders across party lines are increasingly urging the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to prioritise transparency, uniformity, and public confidence in any electoral reforms.

For many observers, the outcome of this debate may prove decisive in shaping the credibility and acceptability of Nigeria’s future elections.