APC Faces Backlash Over Electronic Transmission of Results Ahead of 2027 Elections

Nigeria’s ruling party, the All-Progressives Congress (APC), is facing mounting criticism and public protests following moves widely perceived as undermining electoral transparency ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Controversy erupted after lawmakers signaled resistance to the mandatory use of electronic devices for the transmission of election results, a reform many civil society groups view as critical to curbing fraud and restoring public trust in Nigeria’s electoral system.

The debate comes amid ongoing legislative discussions on proposed amendments intended to reform what critics describe as a deeply flawed and corruption-prone electoral process.

The National Assembly, particularly the Senate, has come under intense scrutiny over the handling of the reform bill. Observers argue that weakening electronic transmission provisions could reverse gains made in recent electoral cycles, where technology was introduced to improve credibility and reduce manipulation.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, a senior figure in the APC, has been at the center of the debate as opposition parties and civic groups call for stronger safeguards to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027.

Civil society organizations warn that any rollback of electronic result transmission could heighten political tensions and trigger wider unrest in Africa’s largest democracy. As the reform process continues, pressure is mounting on the APC-led government to demonstrate its commitment to credible elections and democratic accountability.

Yesterday, large crowds of protesters gathered at the gates of the National Assembly, chanting “APC Ole”, a Yoruba phrase meaning “APC thieves”,  in a strong display of public anger over the electoral reform controversy. Demonstrators accused the ruling party of attempting to undermine transparent elections ahead of 2027.

Although the protest was completely peaceful, security forces moved in to disperse the crowd. Police reportedly fired tear gas and used batons to break up the demonstration, forcing protesters to flee the area. The crackdown has drawn criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the heavy-handed response raises further concerns about the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.