PDP urges INEC to adopt electronic transmission of results before 2027 elections, stressing democracy, credibility, and public trust in Nigeria.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has intensified pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement a binding legal framework that mandates the electronic transmission of results from polling units in the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba said Nigerians have made it clear that they want a system where their votes truly count.
He argued that only through the electronic transmission of results can elections be credible and democracy safeguarded.
Ologunagba insisted that the credibility of future elections cannot be left to discretion. According to him, laws must clearly require INEC to transmit results electronically from every polling unit.
He maintained that without such clarity, the 2027 polls risk facing the same disputes and controversies that marred 2023.
“Democracy thrives when voters believe their voices matter,” Ologunagba explained. “But once doubts creep in, public trust collapses.”
For the PDP, adopting the electronic transmission of results is more than a procedural change — it is a safeguard for the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
Reflecting on the last general elections, Ologunagba recalled the widespread malfunction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
He described how many Nigerians waited in long queues only to be told that the machines had stopped working.
“This is frustrating to the average voter,” he said, pointing out that people in rural areas regularly use ATMs and Point of Sale (POS) terminals without disruption.
“If those systems work reliably, why should BVAS, which is used only a few times every four years, fail so often?”
The PDP spokesperson argued that INEC must overhaul its technological systems before 2027. Anything less, he warned, would risk further eroding public confidence.
Ologunagba stressed that Nigeria’s democracy is fragile and must be nurtured carefully. He explained that the electronic transmission of results would prevent tampering, give citizens real-time access to vote counts, and reduce the avalanche of post-election litigations that follow disputed polls.
“Once Nigerians can see results uploaded immediately, manipulation becomes almost impossible,” he noted.
“That transparency is what will keep the people invested in democracy.”
Turning to party matters, Ologunagba announced that preparations for the PDP’s national convention, scheduled for November in Ibadan, are in full swing.
He expressed optimism that the exercise will leave the party stronger, more united, and ready to reclaim power in 2027.
According to him, zonal consultations on micro-zoning of offices between the North and South have been concluded, and reports will be submitted soon.
He confirmed that the sale of nomination forms is ongoing in line with the National Executive Committee’s approved timetable.
“All statutory organs, state chapters, and stakeholders are working hand-in-hand for a seamless convention,” Ologunagba said.
Beyond technology, the PDP also raised concerns about INEC’s leadership. Ologunagba called on President Bola Tinubu to appoint an independent and credible figure as the next chairman of the electoral commission.
He argued that elections should never depend on “strong personalities” but must rest on “strong institutions” that guarantee fairness.
A chairman without partisan ties, he said, would be crucial to advancing reforms like the electronic transmission of results.
Ologunagba also addressed the ongoing situation in Rivers State. He described the anticipated reinstatement of Governor Siminalayi Fubara as a “positive step” for democracy, stressing that his earlier removal was unconstitutional.
“Restoring Governor Fubara means restoring the people’s mandate,” he added.
“It ensures that Rivers State returns to democratic governance under a competent leader who has already demonstrated capacity.”
As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, Ologunagba said the PDP would continue to mount pressure on INEC and the federal government to guarantee electoral credibility.
He noted that reforms such as BVAS improvement, neutral leadership in INEC, and above all, the electronic transmission of results, must be firmly in place before Nigerians head to the polls.
“These are not just PDP demands,” he concluded. “They are national imperatives if we want democracy to survive.”
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