2027: Electronic transmission of results none negotiable – Northern Coalition blows hot
Coalition of Northern Groups Warns Against Erosion of Electronic Election Result Transmission
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a stern warning against any efforts to undermine the electronic transmission of election results in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
In a statement from National Coordinator Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the coalition emphasized that electronic transmission is crucial for preventing the manipulation of results by politicians, corrupt officials, and other influential entities. The CNG expressed deep concern regarding remarks and actions by certain political figures aimed at weakening or halting the complete implementation of electronic result sharing.
The coalition highlighted ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s electoral process, particularly at the stages of results collection and counting. They asserted that past elections have been marred by alleged alterations to results, which do not reflect the will of the voters.
“Electronic transmission is a non-negotiable aspect of fair elections and serves as the primary safeguard against electoral fraud,” the statement read. “Nigeria has long suffered from a system of manipulated elections that undermines the people’s right to choose their leaders. The major issues have not stemmed from the act of voting itself, but rather from how results are tabulated.”
CNG pointed out that discrepancies in reported results have led to significant public distrust, diminishing confidence in the electoral system and potentially destabilizing the country. The coalition asserted that resistance to electronic transmission may suggest a willingness to sacrifice transparency for personal gain.
Further concerns were raised regarding recent developments involving the Senate President and other lawmakers, which the CNG views as potentially detrimental to the integrity of the electoral framework. They called for vigilance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to uphold the use of electronic systems for result transmission and urged the National Assembly to refrain from enacting legislation that could impair the electoral process’s transparency.
“The opposition to electronic transmission often stems from individuals who benefit from outdated systems that facilitate fraud,” the coalition stated. “We urge all citizens to hold elected officials accountable, as their positions are granted by the electorate, not a birthright.”
The CNG implored civil society, youth organizations, and the media to intensify efforts in advocacy and monitoring to ensure the legitimacy of the electoral process. They reaffirmed their commitment to opposing any attempts to reverse electoral reforms, stating that anything short of transparent, fair, and technology-driven elections will not be tolerated.
“The era of opaque electoral processes is over. The time for transparent governance has arrived,” the coalition concluded. “As we approach the 2027 elections, we will not allow anyone to revert Nigeria to an era of electoral manipulation. Our future and the integrity of our democracy depend on safeguarding every voter’s choice.”
