PDP Demands Mandatory Electronic Transmission Of Results In 2027 Elections, Warns Against Manipulation

ABUJA — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded strict enforcement of provisions in the Electoral Act 2022 mandating electronic transmission of results in the 2027 general elections, warning it will resist any attempt to undermine the will of Nigerians.

Section 64 (4), (5), and (6) of the Act empowers the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to record and transmit results directly from polling units using the Smart Card Reader (SCR) or other approved electronic devices. However, glitches marred the electronic transmission of results in the 2023 presidential election, according to INEC.

At a press briefing in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, expressed concern over what he described as “institutional manipulation” of past polls. He insisted that INEC must guarantee real-time transmission of results in 2027, warning that excuses would no longer be tolerated.

“There must be no glitches in 2027. If POS machines work seamlessly in remote parts of this country, INEC cannot claim its BVAS machines suddenly fail on election day. That would be deliberate manipulation, and Nigerians will not accept it,” Ologunagba said.

He stressed that ensuring votes are counted and transparently reflected in results is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy. “This is no longer about politics; it is about the survival of our democracy. INEC must rise to its constitutional duty and guarantee that every vote counts and is seen to count,” he added.

Ologunagba accused INEC of failing to fully deploy available technology during previous elections, arguing that electronic payment systems prove the necessary infrastructure already exists. “Why should BVAS machines with backup batteries fail conveniently at polling units? This cannot be coincidence—it is a calculated effort to subvert the will of the people,” he alleged.

The PDP spokesman vowed that the party would lead efforts to protect Nigeria’s democracy and ensure credible elections. He also criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what he termed “early campaigns” and “endorsement shopping,” accusing the ruling party of heating up the polity out of fear of the PDP’s resurgence.

“The era of glitches is over. Nigerians deserve a credible election, and the PDP will ensure they get nothing less,” Ologunagba declared.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) aligned with the PDP’s call. Its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, told Vanguard that electronic transmission of results is crucial to restoring public confidence in elections.

“If establishing a legal framework for electronic transmission will compel INEC to act rightly and deepen transparency, the ADC will firmly support it,” Abdullahi said. “For us, anything that ensures votes genuinely count and protects the sanctity of our elections is not just desirable; it is an absolute necessity.”