The Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill on Thursday has drawn sharp criticism from experts, who warn that rejecting real-time transmission of election results could seriously undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Public affairs analyst Mahdi Shehu condemned the National Assembly’s decision, calling it a severe threat to Nigeria’s democracy. Speaking exclusively to DAILY POST, Shehu argued that lawmakers’ refusal to approve key electoral reforms appears to be a deliberate attempt to devalue citizens’ votes.

“It is one assault too many. The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them and continue to take the people for granted,” Shehu said.

He warned that by rejecting reforms like mandatory electronic transmission of election results, the Senate is effectively signaling that votes may no longer matter. “When votes will not count, there is no point voting,” he added.

Shehu compared the Senate’s action to global disasters, stating, “The Senate’s action can be likened to HIV, Ebola, and a Tsunami combined.” He also cautioned that the damage to democratic institutions could be long-lasting.

The analyst accused Nigeria’s political system of failing to provide effective checks and balances, alleging collusion among the executive, legislature, and judiciary. “When the executive, judiciary, and legislature, who are supposed to check each other, are actively in bed together, reforms become a mirage—a dream within a dream,” he said.

He further criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), claiming it has become compromised and suggesting it functions to ensure the president’s victory regardless of actual votes. “INEC is expected to do the bidding of the president, to declare him winner whether he wins or not,” Shehu asserted.

He warned that weakening democratic institutions could lead Nigerians to question the country’s future. “Less than two million people are destroying the lives, livelihoods, and commerce of over 250 million Nigerians,” he said.

NNPP Calls Amendment a Political Strategy for 2027

The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Kano State also condemned the amendment, describing it as a calculated political strategy by the ruling party to secure an advantage in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking to DAILY POST, NNPP Kano State Publicity Secretary, Engr. Ibrahim Karaye, said the Senate’s decision was deliberate, aimed at manipulating future elections. “The 2023 election was one of the closest contests in Nigeria’s history, and President Tinubu emerged with minority votes. The ruling party is clearly uncomfortable with a free and fair process and is planning to tilt the 2027 election in its favor,” he said.

Karaye explained that rejecting reforms such as mandatory electronic transmission of results was designed to weaken transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence that Nigerians would remain engaged. “I don’t think this decision will discourage voter participation. Our people are determined to come out in large numbers to shape their destiny,” Karaye said.

He emphasized that Nigerians are now more politically aware and understand the stakes ahead of the 2027 polls. “For the first time in our history, almost all resources meant for citizens’ welfare are being diverted to politics and preparations for 2027,” he noted.

Karaye called on citizens to remain vigilant and actively protect their votes. “Every citizen should be ready to defend their electoral rights. People must participate fully to prevent rigging and manipulation,” he said, stressing that safeguarding democracy requires collective and lawful civic engagement.

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