Peter Obi: Senate’s Rejection of Realtime Transmission Confirms Nigeria’s “Now Disgraced” Status, A Grave Threat to 2027 Elections
The former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party 3023 presidential candidate, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the Senate’s rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, describing the decision as a deliberate act of electoral manipulation and a serious setback to Nigeria’s democratic integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a strongly worded statement, Obi said he delayed public comment in deference to national mourning following what he described as the tragic loss of over 150 innocent lives in Kwara State. He, however, warned that the Senate’s action on electronic transmission represents an “unforgivable assault” on the foundations of credible elections in Nigeria.
According to Obi, the refusal to enshrine compulsory electronic transmission in law undermines transparency and perpetuates the cycle of disputes and mistrust that have characterised recent elections. He argued that the controversies surrounding the 2023 general election were directly linked to the failure to fully implement electronic transmission of results, noting that Nigerians were offered explanations of system “glitches” that, in his view, lacked credibility.
Obi questioned the fundamental purpose of governance, asking whether the state exists to guarantee order and justice for citizens or to institutionalise chaos for the benefit of a narrow elite. He warned that rejecting basic safeguards for electoral integrity erodes public confidence and weakens democratic institutions.
Drawing comparisons with other African countries that have adopted electronic transmission to strengthen electoral credibility, Obi lamented that Nigeria—often referred to as the “giant of Africa”—continues to lag behind, a situation he said drags the continent backwards rather than leading by example.
He further criticised what he described as a culture of performative problem-solving, where conferences and policy papers proliferate while substantive reforms are resisted. According to him, the persistent opposition to transparency reflects a deeper governance failure among the political elite, one that is steadily pushing the nation toward what he termed “primitive governance.”
Referencing past remarks by foreign leaders who labelled Nigeria “fantastically corrupt” and a “now disgraced nation,” Obi said continued resistance to reform only reinforces such negative perceptions. He warned that those enabling systemic failures often evade accountability by shifting blame while stifling the country’s potential.
Looking ahead to 2027, Obi cautioned that the irregularities witnessed in the 2023 elections must not be repeated. He called on Nigerians to prepare to “legitimately and decisively” reject what he described as a backward democratic trajectory, urging sustained civic engagement to reclaim the country’s future.
He also appealed to the international community to pay close attention to what he characterised as groundwork for continued electoral manipulation, warning that such trends pose risks to Nigeria’s democracy and development.
Concluding his remarks, Obi reaffirmed his long-held message of reform and hope, stating that a “new Nigeria is possible,” but only if citizens collectively insist on transparency, accountability, and credible elections.
