ATIKU SAYS NIGERIA DEMOCRACY UNDER SIEGE
By SCM Political Correspondent
ABUJA – In a scathing rebuke that has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian political establishment, former Vice President Abubakar Atiku has accused the Nigerian Senate of a “deliberate assault” on democracy following their rejection of mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The veteran statesman, often referred to by his initials AA, warned that the move is a “calculated blow” designed to protect loopholes and preserve a system historically plagued by manipulation, tampering, and “backroom alterations.”
The Senate’s decision to stick with the ambiguous provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act—rather than mandating immediate electronic uploads—has been characterized by Atiku as a move to “cling to opacity.”
”At a time when democracies across the world are strengthening their electoral systems through technology, the Nigerian Senate has chosen to protect loopholes,” Atiku stated. He argued that electronic transmission is not a partisan preference but a vital “democratic safeguard” intended to ensure the voter’s will is faithfully reflected.
The Shadow of 2027
With the next general election looming in 2027, the former VP suggested that the ruling political establishment is signaling an unwillingness to submit to public scrutiny.
”Nigerians cannot ignore the pattern: every reform that strengthens transparency is resisted, while every ambiguity that benefits incumbency is preserved,” Atiku noted.
He further criticized the reliance on manual delays and procedural excuses, even taking a swipe at the judiciary, claiming certain sections of the court are “shamelessly standing on the mandate of the incumbent” rather than upholding the will of the people.
A Call to Action
Atiku’s intervention serves as a rallying cry to the international community and civil society.
He maintains that Nigeria deserves a system that is: Transparent and verifiable.
Modernized through technology.
Beyond manipulation by human interference.
”Anything less is an injustice to the electorate and a betrayal of democracy,” Atiku concluded.
