Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over comments supporting manual transmission of election results. According to her, such a position sends a dangerous message to Nigerians that their votes may not truly count in future elections.

Ezekwesili reacted strongly following recent developments in the National Assembly, where proposals for real-time electronic transmission of results were rejected. She argued that insisting on manual methods weakens transparency and undermines public trust in the electoral system, especially after repeated calls for credible reforms.

The former minister said Akpabio’s stance reflects a leadership choice that prioritises political control over democratic accountability. She warned that ignoring technology-driven solutions in elections could deepen voter apathy and discourage citizens from participating in the democratic process.

Ezekwesili urged Nigerians to remain vocal and demand accountability from their leaders. She stressed that credible elections are the foundation of democracy and that any system which casts doubt on the value of citizens’ votes threatens the country’s democratic future.