Dare Babalola
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the National Assembly’s rejection of the electronic transmission of election results, describing it as a “treacherous betrayal” of Nigerians.
In a statement issued by PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, on Wednesday, the party expressed outrage over the sudden U-turn by lawmakers, saying it undermines democracy and electoral integrity.
The PDP lamented that the decision strikes at the core of electoral sanctity, adding that the excuses given for the rejection are “weak, illogical, and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians”.
According to Ememobong, the lawmakers’ actions show a clear disdain for the Nigerian people who voted them into office, and amount to a calculated attempt to create room for electoral manipulation.
“When lawmakers begin to dilute transparency mechanisms ahead of elections, only one conclusion is rational: there is a calculated attempt to create room for electoral manipulation,” he said.
The PDP also condemned the restriction of party primaries to Direct and Consensus methods, saying it intrudes on political parties’ internal affairs.
The party cited Supreme Court rulings affirming political parties’ autonomy in managing their internal processes, describing the provision as “ultra vires” and condemnable.
The statement further questioned the ruling party’s commitment to transparency, saying if they truly believe they enjoy popular support, they should welcome mechanisms guaranteeing transparency.
“Their shameless support for this anomaly shows their fear of impending defeat in a free and fair election,” Ememobong said, highlighting the contradiction in a party that demanded electronic voting in 2015 now rejecting electronic transmission of results.
The PDP is calling on Nigerians, labour unions, and civil society organisations to protest the National Assembly’s actions, urging them to reconsider their position.
“This hard-won democracy must not be allowed to suffer decline in the hands of retrogressive politicians, masking as legislators,” the statement read.
