The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a strong warning against any attempt to dilute or frustrate the electronic transmission of election results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group expressed concern over what it described as growing efforts by some political actors to undermine the reform. CNG argued that electronic transmission directly addresses Nigeria’s weakest electoral point, collation, where results are often allegedly altered, subverting the will of voters.
“We state clearly, unequivocally, and without diplomatic caution: electronic transmission of results is not optional, not experimental, and not negotiable. It is the lifeblood of credible elections and the last line of defence between democracy and organized electoral robbery,” Charanchi said.
He stressed that Nigeria has suffered for decades under a culture of manipulation, where figures mysteriously change during collation. Electronic transmission, he explained, guarantees that once results leave polling units, they cannot be tampered with by politicians, compromised officials, or vested interests.
CNG said it views with “deep concern” recent comments and legislative manoeuvres linked to the Senate President and certain elements in the National Assembly, which appear designed to weaken the reform. “Such actions are not merely disappointing, they are dangerous, regressive, and profoundly anti-democratic,” the statement added.
The coalition warned that repeated disputed elections could deepen public distrust, fuel post-election violence, and trigger legitimacy crises. It urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remain firm in deploying full electronic transmission without dilution, while calling on the National Assembly to desist from actions that could weaken transparency.
“Those who oppose e-transmission do so because the old fraudulent system favours them. They fear a system where votes truly count. They fear the people’s verdict,” Charanchi said, adding that history will not be kind to leaders who conspire to weaken electoral transparency.
CNG emphasized that credible elections are not only about politics but also about national security, economic stability, investor confidence, and social cohesion. It appealed to civil society organisations, youth groups, and the media to intensify advocacy and vigilance, while urging Nigerians to hold their representatives accountable.
The coalition vowed to resist any attempt to reverse electoral reforms, insisting that anything short of credible, transparent, technology-driven elections in 2027 would be unacceptable. “We will not allow anyone to steal the future of our children through electoral manipulation. The time for electoral darkness has passed. The era of transparency must prevail,” the statement concluded.
By Palma Ileye, Abuja
