The passage of the Electoral Act amendment bill by the Nigerian Senate has triggered widespread criticism, with political analysts and opposition figures warning that the rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results could seriously undermine public trust in Nigeria’s democracy.
The bill, passed on Thursday, has been described by critics as a dangerous setback for electoral transparency and accountability.
‘A Grave Threat to Democracy’ — Mahdi Shehu
Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu condemned the decision, calling it a deliberate attempt to weaken the power of citizens’ votes.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Shehu said the lawmakers had abandoned the mandate Nigerians gave them.
“It is one assault too many. The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them and have continued to take the people for granted,” he said.
He warned that rejecting reforms such as real-time electronic transmission of results sends a dangerous message.
“When votes will not count, there is no point voting,” he stated.
Shehu compared the Senate’s action to major global disasters, saying:
“The Senate’s action can be likened to HIV, Ebola and a tsunami combined.”
He added that the damage to democracy could be long-lasting, accusing Nigeria’s political system of lacking effective checks and balances.
“When the executive, judiciary and legislature, who are supposed to check each other, are actively in bed with one another, reforms become a mirage; a dream within a dream,” he said.
Shehu also alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had been compromised.
“INEC is expected to do the bidding of the president, which is to be declared winner whether he wins or not,” he claimed.
According to him, the weakening of democratic institutions could push Nigerians to question the country’s future.
“Less than two million people are destroying the lives, livelihoods and commerce of over 250 million Nigerians,” Shehu added.
Electoral Act Amendment Is a Plot for 2027 — NNPP’s Ibrahim Karaye
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State also described the Senate’s action as a calculated political move aimed at influencing the 2027 general elections.
The party’s Kano State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Ibrahim Karaye, said the amendment was not accidental.
“I see it as a deliberate political move by the ruling party. The 2023 election was one of the closest contests in Nigeria’s history,” he said.
Karaye claimed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emerged with minority votes, which he said has made the ruling party uncomfortable with a transparent electoral process.
“The ruling party is now planning to maneuver the outcome of the 2027 election in its favour,” he alleged.
He said the rejection of key reforms, especially electronic result transmission, was meant to weaken transparency and accountability.
Despite the criticism, Karaye said Nigerians would not be discouraged from voting.
“Our people are very determined to come out en masse and change their destiny, which I strongly believe is in their hands,” he said.
He added that Nigerians are more politically aware than ever and understand the stakes ahead of 2027.
“This is the first time in the history of this country that almost all the resources that should be channelled towards citizens’ welfare are being diverted to fund politics and prepare for the 2027 elections,” he claimed.
Karaye called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and defend their votes through lawful and collective civic engagement.
“Every citizen should be ready to defend their electoral rights. People must participate fully in the process and work together to block rigging and voter manipulation,” he said