PDP calls for Legal Backing for Transmission Ahead of 2027 Elections

PDP Calls for Legal Backing for Electronic Transmission Ahead of 2027 Elections

 

 

 

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to establish a clear legal framework to support the electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

The opposition party argued that a well-defined law would prevent the technical glitches that disrupted full electronic transmission during the 2023 elections.

 

The call was made in Abuja as the party intensified preparations for its 2025 elective convention, scheduled to hold in Ibadan on November 15. PDP officials said the convention would position the party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027.

 

National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, stressed the need for an independent INEC and comprehensive reforms in the voting process. He accused the APC of manipulating the 2023 elections, using “glitches” as justification for irregularities.

 

“There should be full electronic transmission of results incorporated into the voting process to ensure credible elections. INEC must have a legal framework in place to make this mandatory. Today, private businesses rely on PoS and ATMs, which work nationwide. So why should an election system fail?” Ologunagba asked.

 

The PDP also called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the next INEC chairman is appointed through a broad-based approach to guarantee independence.

 

“The appointment of the INEC chairman is the prerogative of the President, but it must be broad-based to ensure strong institutions. Whoever is appointed must be truly independent,” he added.

 

Ologunagba further described the APC’s two-year tenure as a “pyramid of lies,” arguing that the party has prioritized propaganda over governance. On the emergency rule in Rivers State, the PDP maintained that the suspension of Governor Sim Fubara was unconstitutional but welcomed the lifting of the rule, expressing confidence in Fubara’s leadership.

 

On the PDP’s internal affairs, National Legal Adviser, Mr. Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN, dismissed claims that the party is “dead,” following the exit of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and other leaders to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Ajibade highlighted the party’s ongoing reconciliation efforts and active National Working Committee (NWC), emphasizing that internal departures do not determine the party’s viability.

 

Ajibade also defended the party’s decision to zone the 2027 presidential ticket to the South, noting that zoning aligns with the PDP constitution while still allowing aspirants from other regions to contest.

 

“Our party remains intact, with active organs and significant progress in reconciliation, NEC meetings, and preparations for the 2025 convention. Departures are part of politics; they do not signal the end of the PDP,” he said.