2027 Election Integrity at Risk Over Senate’s Decision — NRM Presidential Aspirant!

2027 Election Integrity at Risk Over Senate’s Decision — NRM Presidential Aspirant!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

A leading chieftain of the National Rescue Movement (NRM) and presidential hopeful, Faduri Oluwadare Joseph, popularly known as Fadojoe, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the upcoming 2027 general elections following the Nigerian Senate’s recent move to restrict mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
Fadojoe warned that the Senate’s decision to make electronic transmission optional instead of enshrining it as a compulsory requirement could seriously undermine public confidence in the nation’s democratic process and weaken safeguards against electoral malpractice.
“The rollback of mandatory electronic transmission sets a dangerous precedent,” Fadojoe stated in his reaction to lawmakers’ position. “At a time when Nigerians demand credible and transparent elections, this action will erode trust, deepen suspicion, and potentially disenfranchise millions of voters.”
During deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act, the Senate rejected clauses that would have legally required the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to transmit results in real-time from polling units to central servers. Instead, lawmakers retained discretionary language allowing INEC to decide the “manner” of transmission. Critics argue this loophole could be exploited, enabling ambiguity and manipulation in the tallying process.
Fadojoe’s remarks align with growing nationwide criticism from civil society groups, political parties, and analysts who fear the Senate’s approach weakens democratic safeguards. Opposing voices including some PDP leaders, socio-political organizations, and election stakeholders argue that the absence of mandatory electronic transmission could resurrect past issues of ballot manipulation and disputes seen in previous elections.
A coalition of civil society organizations has highlighted that globally, electronic transmission of election results is widely recognised as a standard for enhancing electoral credibility, reducing disputes, and promoting transparency. These groups insist that Nigeria should adopt similar reforms to restore public trust in electoral outcomes.
Moreover, critics point to additional troubling aspects of the Senate’s amendments including reduced timelines for election notices and other procedural adjustments as factors that could further complicate preparations and jeopardize the credibility of the 2027 polls.
As debates continue within the National Assembly’s harmonisation committee, stakeholders urge lawmakers to revisit and strengthen provisions that safeguard electoral integrity stressing that without robust reforms, Nigeria’s democratic process may face significant erosion ahead of the next general elections.

Citations:
1.The Sun Nigeria
https://thesun.ng/2027-election-integrity-at-risk-over-senates-decision-nrm-presidential-aspirant

2.Sahara Reporters
https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/05/exclusive-how-nigerias-senate-leadership-overruled-majority-blocked-mandatory-real-time

3.ThisDay Live
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/08/afenifere-condemns-senates-rejection-of-electronic-transmission-of-election-results

4.ThisDay Live
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/10/electoral-act-coalition-of-csos-warns-2027-elections-may-be-compromised

5.ThisDay Live
https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/07/outrage-grows-over-senates-move-to-reverse-nigerias-democracy

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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