Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Nigerian Senate for refusing to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory, calling the decision a major threat to democracy. Obi said the move exposes Nigeria as “fantastically corrupt and disgraced,” warning that it deliberately weakens transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Obi linked the Senate’s action to past electoral problems, noting that disputes and manipulation during the 2023 elections were largely due to the incomplete use of electronic transmission. He argued that the supposed “system glitch” never existed and compared Nigeria to other African countries that have successfully used technology to strengthen electoral credibility.

The former Anambra State governor also criticised Nigeria’s leadership for resisting meaningful reforms. He said rejecting electronic transmission creates confusion, benefits a small elite, and continues to justify past statements by foreign leaders about Nigeria’s corruption and international image. Obi called for citizens to be prepared to defend democracy through lawful means and urged international observers to monitor the electoral process closely.

Despite the concerns, Obi expressed hope for change, stressing that Nigerians can still create a “new Nigeria” if they collectively demand transparency and accountability. He concluded by emphasising that defending democracy is not just a responsibility for leaders but for every citizen committed to fair and credible elections.