Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Nigerian Senate’s rejection of real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the move as a deliberate assault on electoral transparency and a strategy that favours incumbents ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by Atiku’s Media Office on Wednesday night, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain said the decision represents a serious setback for electoral reform and undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“This ill-advised action represents a grave setback for electoral reform and a calculated blow against transparency, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“At a time when democracies across the world are strengthening their electoral systems through technology, the Nigerian Senate has chosen to cling to opacity, protect loopholes, and preserve a system that has historically enabled manipulation, tampering, and post-election disputes.

“Real-time electronic transmission of results is not a partisan demand; it is a democratic safeguard. It reduces human interference, limits result manipulation, and ensures that the will of the voter—expressed at the polling unit—is faithfully reflected in the final outcome.

“To reject it, and adopt the 2022 provision on so-called electronic transmission of results is to signal an unwillingness to submit elections to public scrutiny,” the statement said.

According to him, the decision raises concerns about the intentions of the political establishment as the country moves closer to another general election cycle.

“This decision raises troubling questions about the commitment of the ruling political establishment to free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.

“Nigerians cannot ignore the pattern: every reform that strengthens transparency is resisted, while every ambiguity that benefits incumbency is preserved,” Atiku said.

Reiterating his position on democratic reform, the former Vice President said Nigeria’s electoral process must reflect modern realities and the expectations of citizens.

“Democracy must evolve with time, technology, and the legitimate expectations of the people. Elections must be decided by voters; not by manual delays, backroom alterations, or procedural excuses,” he said.

He called on Nigerians, civil society organisations, the media and the international community to remain vigilant and continue pushing for reforms that align Nigeria’s elections with global democratic standards.

“Nigeria deserves elections that are transparent, verifiable, and beyond manipulation. Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy,” the statement read.