Former senator slams ruling party’s resistance
Dino Melaye, a former Senator and prominent opposition figure, has accused the All Progressives Congress of being terrified of the electronic transmission of results.
He noted that it is “ridiculous” for a party that controls the police, the judiciary, and 31 states to be afraid of a transparent system. Melaye believes that the APC’s resistance is a clear sign that they cannot win a free and fair election in 2027.
The debate over the Electoral Act amendment has become a major flashpoint in Nigerian politics. While the Senate recently retained the use of electronic transmission, they rejected the mandate for real-time uploads to the IReV portal. Melaye argues that this “half-measure” is a deliberate attempt to leave room for manual manipulation at the collation centers.
Power rotation and the fear of the people
According to Melaye, the ruling party is fully aware of its growing unpopularity among the masses due to the current economic hardship. He claims that the only way the APC can retain power is through an opaque system that bypasses modern technology. He urged Nigerians to demand a full digital transition to ensure that their votes truly count in the next general election.
The former senator also criticized the National Assembly for serving as a “rubber stamp” for the executive branch. He believes that the lawmakers are prioritizing their political survival over the long-term health of Nigerian democracy. Melaye’s comments reflect a wider sentiment among opposition groups who feel that the electoral field is being tilted.
Defending the integrity of the vote
Electoral reform advocates have pointed out that technology is the only way to eliminate the “human element” that often corrupts the process. Real-time transmission would allow citizens to see the results from their polling units immediately, making it harder for anyone to change the numbers later. The APC has argued that poor internet coverage in rural areas makes a full mandate difficult, but Melaye dismisses this as a “lazy excuse.”
The 2023 elections were marred by controversies surrounding the failure to upload presidential results on time. Melaye warns that repeating this mistake in 2027 could lead to widespread civil unrest and a total loss of faith in the democratic system. He called on the international community to keep a close eye on the legislative developments in Abuja.
The road to a more transparent 2027
As the 2027 elections approach, the pressure on the Independent National Electoral Commission to deliver a flawless process is mounting. Dino Melaye remains one of the most vocal voices in this struggle, using his platform to mobilize public opinion against the status quo. His accusations have sparked a heated debate on social media, with many users agreeing that transparency is non-negotiable.
The ball is now in the court of the APC-led government to prove that they are committed to a fair contest. Passing a law that mandates real-time electronic transmission would go a long way in silencing their critics. Until then, the shadow of electoral fraud will continue to hang over the Nigerian political landscape.
