- According to him, transmitting results electronically in real time remains the most reliable path
- Atiku also urged opposition parties to close ranks and jointly push for electoral reforms
- He noted that the ADC constitution does not include provisions for zoning political offices
Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has faulted the proposed combination of electronic and manual transmission of election results, warning that such an arrangement could undermine the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
Speaking with journalists on Tuesday after visiting former Military President, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, in Minna, Atiku said Nigerians had expected a fully electronic system that would transmit results in real time at every stage of the election, Eko Hot Blog reports.
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Instead, he noted, the introduction of a hybrid model risks creating uncertainty and weakening confidence in the system.
“People were looking forward to complete electronic transmission of results at all levels,” he said. “What we now have is a mix of electronic and manual processes, and that could generate confusion and threaten the integrity of result collation.”
According to him, transmitting results electronically in real time remains the most reliable path toward transparent and credible elections.
Meanwhile, the Senate has set up a 12-member Electoral Act Conference Committee to reconcile differences in the amendment versions passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.
The committee will meet with members of the House of Representatives to harmonise disputed provisions before presenting a final draft for approval.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the composition of the panel during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday. The committee is expected to address contentious clauses and produce a unified document for legislative adoption.
Atiku also urged opposition parties to close ranks and jointly push for electoral reforms, particularly on the issue of electronic transmission of results.
“There is a need for opposition parties to work together on this matter,” he said. “We should not allow it to be settled in a way that weakens the process.”
He clarified that his visit to Babangida was purely a courtesy call and dismissed suggestions that it was linked to plans for the 2027 general elections.
“The question of my contesting in 2027 has not even come up,” he stated.
The former vice president added that his party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is currently concentrating on building its grassroots structures nationwide. He said efforts are ongoing to strengthen the party’s presence from ward to national level through mobilisation and membership registration.
Atiku further noted that the ADC constitution does not include provisions for zoning political offices.
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