…insists real-time electronic transmission of results most effective safeguard against electoral fraud.
Abuja, Nigeria – The iNews Times reports that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has launched a blistering attack on the Senate over its rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, accusing lawmakers of deliberately paving the way for post-election manipulation.
Speaking on Trust TV, El-Rufai described the Senate’s action as a major setback for Nigeria’s democratic process, insisting that real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units remains the most effective safeguard against electoral fraud.
The former governor expressed regret that he was unable to return to Nigeria in time to physically participate in the protest at the National Assembly, led by African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential aspirant Peter Obi, alongside other opposition figures.
“I would have joined Mr. Peter Obi and other party leaders in protesting to the National Assembly to restore the real-time and mandatory transmission of results from the polling unit,” El-Rufai said.
According to him, election rigging does not take place at polling units but during the collation process, where results are allegedly altered.
“It is the only way we can stop the manipulation that goes on in the collation centres. That is where the real rigging takes place. Rigging doesn’t happen in the polling unit; it is in the collation centres,” he stated.
El-Rufai lamented that while the House of Representatives has passed provisions supporting mandatory electronic transmission of results, the measure is allegedly being stalled by the Senate.
He argued that the rejected provision would significantly enhance electoral transparency and credibility, claiming that resistance to the reform is politically motivated.
“This provision would have improved the quality of our elections. But we all know why the ruling party and the sitting government don’t want that — they know they can’t win the elections,” he alleged.
The former governor further claimed that post-voting manipulation remains the ruling party’s primary electoral advantage.
“The only way they have a fighting chance is to manipulate the results after people have voted,” he added.
Meanwhile, The iNews Times earlier reported that protesters on Monday morning stormed the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding that the Senate reverse its decision against mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
Peter Obi was seen leading the protest, calling for urgent electoral reforms to protect the integrity of future elections and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
