₦airaland Forum

Obi’s claims over senate’s rejection of e-transmission of results misleading – Lagos APC


The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC has described the claims by the Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi over rejection of electronic transmission of election results by the Senate as “false and misleading.”

Spokesman of the party, Seye Oladejo, made the remark on Saturday, in apparent reaction to Obi’s claim over the passage of Electoral Act and rejection of e-transmission of results.

Oladejo maintained that contrary to Obi’s claims, the Senate did not at any point oppose electronic transmission of results, rather, it acted “responsibly” by strengthening the legal framework to ensure that technology deployment in elections is credible, secure, and aligned with Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC’s technical readiness.

He stressed that to misrepresent the measured legislative position as “rejection” is either a profound misunderstanding of legislative procedure or a deliberate distortion for political mileage.

According to Oladejo, “The Lagos APC has taken note of recent clarifications by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, which reaffirm the long-standing position of the Senate in supporting the use of technology, including electronic transmission of election results, in line with the Electoral Act and subject to the operational capacity of INEC.

“These clarifications categorically debunk the false and misleading narrative that the Senate rejected electronic transmission of results-a claim hastily amplified by Mr. Peter Obi without due regard for the facts.

“Once again, this episode exposes Mr. Obi’s habitual rush to judgment and preference for sensational commentary over verifiable records. It is unpresidential, statesmanlike, and indeed unstable for anyone aspiring to the highest office in the land to consistently rush to the media without first ascertaining the facts of any issue.

“Any discerning observer is entitled to ask Mr. Obi and his ilks a fundamental question: why the desperate and relentless attempt to discredit the electoral process, unnecessarily heat up the polity, and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.?

“Such conduct is neither accidental nor harmless. It fuels mistrust, stokes division, and places personal political ambition above national stability. Fortunately, Nigerians are far more perceptive than these actors assume and can clearly read through the mischief.

“This latest episode is not an isolated slip; it fits into a growing pattern of gaffes that have steadily diminished and demystified the carefully constructed image surrounding Mr. Obi.

“Over time, he has carved a niche for himself by consistently dropping the ball-often with his pants metaphorically down- commenting on complex legislative, economic, and policy matters without adequate verification, only for official records and responsible authorities to contradict his claims.

“His selective use of statistics and half-truths, frequently stripped of context, has further eroded confidence in his public interventions and reinforced the perception of narrative-driven, rather than fact-driven engagement.

“Equally troubling is Mr. Obi’s persistent habit of portraying Nigeria in an unrelentingly negative light, particularly on international platforms. While constructive criticism is essential in any democracy, his repeated emphasis on national failures-without balance, context, or responsibility-undermines investor confidence, damages national morale, and raises serious questions about the patriotism expected of someone seeking to lead the country.

“This posture is further weakened by glaring contradictions between his current rhetoric and the realities of policies and practices that prevailed during his own time in public office.

“Mr. Obi’s overreliance on social media populism has led to premature statements, avoidable reversals, and recurring public embarrassment.

“His reluctance to firmly rein in-or clearly disassociate himself from-extremist conduct by some of his supporters has also cast doubt on his leadership temperament and his capacity to foster national cohesion.

“Too often, his interventions on sensitive national issues appear emotion-driven and reactionary, deepening divisions rather than offering the calm, steady, and unifying leadership Nigeria requires.

“With these recurring pitfalls, no one should be surprised that the opposition continues to totter and falter. This persistent instability is simply a reflection of its leadership.

“The Lagos APC believes that democracy is strengthened by truth, accuracy, restraint, and responsibility-not by careless misrepresentation or the compulsive urge to disparage the very country one seeks to govern.

“Nigeria deserves leadership anchored in diligence, emotional intelligence, and genuine patriotism. Once again, the facts have spoken-and once again, Peter Obi got it wrong.”

Richtaiwo:
Nigeria deserves leadership anchored in diligence, emotional intelligence, and genuine patriotism. Once again, the facts have spoken-and once again, Peter Obi got it wrong.”

Richtaiwo:
Nigeria deserves leadership anchored in diligence, emotional intelligence, and genuine patriotism. Once again, the facts have spoken-and once again, Peter Obi got it wrong.”

Richtaiwo:
Nigeria deserves leadership anchored in diligence, emotional intelligence, and genuine patriotism. Once again, the facts have spoken-and once again, Peter Obi got it wrong.”

Ofunaofu:
One would think the Lagos APC spokesperson is speaking under some kind of influence, in fact I must confess he is a mæd man because the argument being made defies logic.

The claim that the Senate “did not oppose” electronic transmission of election results is a convenient distraction.

What matters is this: did the Tinubu-led APC Senate under Akpabio make electronic transmission mandatory? No, they didn’t.

Rather than engage with this central issue, the APC has chosen deflection, attacking Peter Obi instead of answering the question Nigerians are actually asking.

Thunder 🔥⚡🔥 all of them there

Ofunaofu:
One would think the Lagos APC spokesperson is speaking under some kind of influence, in fact I must confess he is a mæd man because the argument being made defies logic.

The claim that the Senate “did not oppose” electronic transmission of election results is a convenient distraction.

What matters is this: did the Tinubu-led APC Senate under Akpabio make electronic transmission mandatory? No, they didn’t.

Rather than engage with this central issue, the APC has chosen deflection, attacking Peter Obi instead of answering the question Nigerians are actually asking.

Thunder 🔥⚡🔥 all of them there

Burob:
Schmoozer Wailer it is at the discretion of Eyeneck so the law prescribes, if one is in a place where electronic transmission is not available, they are left with the option of transferring it manually.

It is ordinarily common sense austinee1, but wailers have since separated from common logic.

Wailers getting hysterical over an issue which is @ best much ado about nothing.

Burob:
Schmoozer Wailer it is at the discretion of Eyeneck so the law prescribes, if one is in a place where electronic transmission is not available, they are left with the option of transferring it manually.

It is ordinarily common sense austinee1, but wailers have since separated from common logic.

Much ado about nothing.

Burob:
Schmoozer Wailer it is at the discretion of Eyeneck so the law prescribes, if one is in a place where electronic transmission is not available, they are left with the option of transferring it manually.

It is ordinarily common sense austinee1, but wailers have since separated from common logic.

Wailers getting hysterical over an issue which is @ best much ado about nothing.

tonesky:
See these criminals using thugs to disrupt any ADC meeting having guts to talk. They should continue but should also know that what goes around comes around.

"Why we should legislate against use of thugs?

Ofunaofu:
Burob, I must say that your comment lacks logic but dressed up as common sense.

Nigerians use smartphones, mobile banking, POS, NIN, and digital transfers every single day, even in remote areas. INEC itself trusted technology enough to deploy BVAS nationwide for voter accreditation. Yet suddenly, when it comes to result transmission, we’re told to accept “discretion” and manual handling? Please.

The Tinubu, APC-led Senate had one simple choice: make electronic transmission mandatory or leave loopholes for manipulation. They chose the loopholes. End of story.

The same loopholes that was made manifest in the last general election with the notorious word 'glitch'

So spare us the gaslighting about imaginary wailers and much ado about nothing.

If it was truly nothing, there would’ve been no fear in ensuring that election results are mandatorily transmitted

These arguments are not only dishonest, they’re insulting to Nigerians who understand exactly how elections have been rigged in this country.

Ofunaofu:
Burob, I must say that your comment lacks logic but dressed up as common sense.

Nigerians use smartphones, mobile banking, POS, NIN, and digital transfers every single day, even in remote areas. INEC itself trusted technology enough to deploy BVAS nationwide for voter accreditation. Yet suddenly, when it comes to result transmission, we’re told to accept “discretion” and manual handling? Please.

The Tinubu, APC-led Senate had one simple choice: make electronic transmission mandatory or leave loopholes for manipulation. They chose the loopholes. End of story.

The same loopholes that was made manifest in the last general election with the notorious word 'glitch'

So spare us the gaslighting about imaginary wailers and much ado about nothing.

If it was truly nothing, there would’ve been no fear in ensuring that election results are mandatorily transmitted

These arguments are not only dishonest, they’re insulting to Nigerians who understand exactly how elections have been rigged in this country.

Burob:
The emboldened just shows that u don’t know anything of what u are purportedly wailing over, & u reiterate the point of the senators, a glitch can only occur when u transmit an item electronically, it is exactly what the senate is avoiding, that if there is a glitch in transmission, the manual hard copy can still be relied upon.

Same as going to a bank to make a deposit or transfer of funds with your thumb, & they say their system is down, u should go and do it over the counter, it doesn’t stop the bank from processing the request the old fashioned way manually.

What u & your fellow obidients are advocating for in mandatory transmission cluelessness, is that if for any reason the results cannot be transmitted electronically, those results should be discarded totally, & be inadmissible as evidence in court.

Amumaigwe:
What are the possible reasons why INEC will not be able to transmit election result electronically with One Trillion naira budget?

Burob:
Can u tell me the reason for the purported glitch in the 2023 general election?

Burob:
The emboldened just shows that ottersberger & yourself don’t know anything of what u are purportedly wailing over, & u reiterate the point of the senators, a glitch can only occur when u transmit an item electronically, it is exactly what the senate is avoiding, that if there is a glitch in transmission whatsoever, the manual hard copy results can still be relied upon.

Same as going to a bank to make a deposit or transfer of funds with your thumb, & they say their system is down, u should go and do it over the counter, it doesn’t stop the bank from processing the request the old fashioned way manually.

What u & your fellow obidients are advocating for in mandatory transmission cluelessness, is that if for any reason the results cannot be transmitted electronically, those results should be discarded totally, & be inadmissible as evidence in court.

Tenses:
There was no glitch in the 2023 general election. You think because you people keep b11tching about glitch in 2023 general election means it has become fact.

ottersberger:
Hush, please. What makes you think you are qualified to peddle this nonsense in the presence of people who could teach you the basics of life?.

The only issues we see in Nigeria are Tinubu rigging elections and his impending attempt to rig an upcoming election that he has lost due to his incompetence, corruption and bigotry.

In a complex and morally bankrupt country like Nigeria, how are banks able to guard their processes and accurately execute and record transfers of funds in real time, yet the same becomes rocket science in elections?. Stop this nonsense!

Burob:
Can u tell me the reason for the purported glitch in the 2023 general election?

ottersberger:
There was no glitch, whatever your definition of the word. Tinubu, in cahoots with Mahmood Yakubu's INEC and other co-conspirators, simply turned off the result transmission system (IREV) when it became apparent that he was losing the vote count and that the results would not favor hin, therefore need to be rewritten manually.

This is how we ended up with this APC government, and the youths they are unable to create gainful employment opportunities for are now being recruited to gaslight the rest of us for a pittance wage.

Burob:
The emboldened just shows that ottersberger & yourself don’t know anything of what u are purportedly wailing over, & u reiterate the point of the senators, a glitch can only occur when u transmit an item electronically, it is exactly what the senate is avoiding, that if there is a glitch in transmission whatsoever, the manual hard copy results can still be relied upon.

Same as going to a bank to make a deposit or transfer of funds with your thumb, & they say their system is down, u should go and do it over the counter, it doesn’t stop the bank from processing the request the old fashioned way manually.

What u & your fellow obidients are advocating for in mandatory transmission cluelessness, is that if for any reason the results cannot be transmitted electronically, those results should be discarded totally, & be inadmissible as evidence in court.

Ofunaofu:
Burob , this your analogy is cute, but it collapses the moment you apply logic.

Banks don’t say system down and then allow a random staffer to go home, rewrite your deposit slip, and decide later what you paid in.

There’s an audit trail, time stamps, call overs, reconciliation, and multiple layers of verification. Elections should demand more integrity than a bank deposit, not less.
BVAS already proves Nigeria can handle technology at scale. If INEC trusts electronic accreditation nationwide, claiming that electronic transmission suddenly becomes too fragile is not caution, it’s convenience.


The manual fallback you’re defending is the very loophole historically used to alter results, not a neutral safeguard.

And no one is arguing that results should be “discarded totally.” That’s a lame excuse. The argument is simple: mandatory electronic transmission creates a verifiable, immutable first record. If transmission fails, you investigate the failure, not quietly default to the most manipulable option and call it prudence.

The fear isn’t glitches. Technology glitches everywhere and gets fixed.
The fear is transparency. And that’s exactly why the loophole was preserved.

So spare us the banking metaphors. Elections aren’t cash/teller and over the counters, and Nigerians aren’t fools.