DRIVING WITH REVERSE GEAR: The Nigerian Senate's Stance on Electronic Transfers of Election Results

Apagun 

In the ever-evolving landscape of Nigeria's electoral politics and management, the Senate’s recent position on the electronic transfer of election results encapsulates a significant dilemma. By proposing to make the electronic transmission of results optional, rather than a mandatory feature, the Senate risks undermining the progress toward a transparent and fraud-free electoral system that the country desperately needs and deserves as the most populous black nation of the earth.

A Pivotal Moment for Democracy

Nigeria, with its tumultuous electoral history marred by allegations of rigging, violence, and irregularities, for years has been striving for a more credible electoral process. The introduction of electronic voting and the real-time transmission of results was heralded as a progressive step towards achieving that goal. This technology has the potential to enhance transparency and accountability while significantly reducing opportunities for fraud. It was on this note that made some of our youths very active in the 2023 general elections until the bad news was broken; the presidential election could not be transmitted because of yet to be believed glitches in the transmission that failed to affect other elections conducted same day and same time. Many are still undoubtedly not able to comprehend the technicalities of the technical glitch nor dissipate the shockwaves that come along with the news.

However, the Senate’s decision to make electronic transfers optional flies in the face of public demand for a more robust system that we long for its compulsion and legalisation. It is akin to "driving with reverse gear" in a country yearning for forward momentum in its democratic processes. By not committing to mandatory electronic transmission, the Senate inadvertently perpetuates the very issues that have plagued Nigeria’s electoral framework.

The Risks of Optionality

Opting for an optional system on electronic transfers opens the door for inconsistencies and manipulation. Why would some states or electoral officials choose to transmit results electronically while others abstain? This inconsistency can lead to discrepancies in how votes are counted and reported across the nation. The potential for tampering, especially in areas where transparency is least guaranteed, remains a significant concern. 

Furthermore, allowing for an optional approach may sow distrust among voters. Citizens who have become increasingly aware of the importance of technology in ensuring electoral integrity might view the Senate's stance as a regression.  This could further diminish public confidence in the outcomes of elections, potentially leading to increased apathy or unrest. The paradox of the matter was that while this government is pushing for electronic tax collection system, electronic payment system, electronic passport, electronic identification system, the same government chooses to make optional that which is supposed to be preferencially electronically conducted and transmitted one time.

The Path Toward Technological Integration

Several countries around the world have successfully integrated electronic voting and result transmission into their electoral processes, enhancing the reliability and speed of election outcomes. For Nigeria to join this league and truly modernize its electoral system, it is essential to embrace these technological advancements fully. The last general elections conducted in India through electronic transmission was a wonder to behold, assessed and access despite her population.

Mandatory electronic voting and transmission could streamline processes, reduce human error, and facilitate quicker results, allowing for faster acceptance of electoral outcomes. In the face of the growing citizen demand for transparency and accountability, rejecting optimal technological solutions like mandatory electronic results transmission feels like driving while looking backward.

Public Sentiment and Political Will

The sentiment among the Nigerian populace is clear: there is a strong desire for a transparent electoral process. Civic organizations, activists, and ordinary citizens have rallied for stronger electoral reforms and a commitment to technology-driven solutions. The Senate's current stance appears disconnected from the pressing need to evolve Nigeria’s electoral practices.

For meaningful change to materialize, lawmakers must prioritize the sentiments of their constituents over political maneuvering. The focus should shift toward building a comprehensive electoral framework that not only accounts for the technological advancements available today but also addresses the systemic flaws that have historically compromised electoral integrity.

As Nigeria approaches future elections, the decision to keep the electronic transmission of results optional stands as a critical moment in the nation’s democratic journey. Driving with reverse gear may render the country vulnerable to the same pitfalls it has long sought to escape. It is imperative for the Senate and other stakeholders to take a definitive stand in favour of mandatory electronic voting and result transmission. By doing so, Nigeria can pave the way for a truly democratic system that reflects the will of its people, free from the shadows of fraud and manipulation. Only then can the nation drive forward, embracing a future where its elections are transparent, credible, and respected both locally and internationally.

Apagun Olaolu Samuel Babatunde

Chairman,

Labour Party, Ogun State

US confirms deployment of small team of troops to Nigeria — reports

The United States has sent a small group of soldiers to Nigeria, the first confirmed ground presence since December airstrikes, Reuters reported.

 

U.S. Africa Command’s Gen. Dagvin Anderson said the move came after recent talks in Rome with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.

APC led federal government was voted in 2015 to primarily end insurgence, create jobs and improve the economy.  However, under the APC leadership, insecurity knows no bounds, multiple Terrorists group emanated as the government was less concerned about the protection of lives and properties of the citizens.

Insecurity has since becomes a multi dimensional business for the political and military elites. Billions of dollars have been allocated to fight the menace of terrorism. 

The Nigeria's government has not addressed the country on the cost implications of the American intervention. 

However, US President Donald Trump's intervention and bombing of the islamists Terrorists in Sokoto in the Christmas Eve was a relief to many Nigerians. 

This deployment of the US troops marks the first confirmed U.S. boots on the ground in Nigeria and a significant escalation of American military involvement in the Nigeria's fight against the terrorists ravaging the the country.

The public deserves clarity on scope, mission, and legal authority.

The Iran–U.S. negotiations are scheduled for Friday in Oman.

 

The Donald Trump administration has reportedly agreed to Iran’s request to move the talks from Turkey to Oman

Iranian Drone Successfully Completed Mission— FARS

‘Monitoring ALL military movements near Iran’

Contrary to the US forces claims that they SHOOT DOWN an Iranian drone, the Iranian regime media source has reported that the Iranian Drone completed it's missions in monitoring military movement near Iran's territories.

According to Reuters, Iranian drone approaching aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in Arabian Sea’ was shot down by the US Navy.

according to the reports,“U.S. Central Command made the decision to shoot down the Iranian drone. It was unmanned and acting aggressively toward our USS Lincoln.

The President of United States remains committed to diplomacy first — but diplomacy takes two to tango.”

According to U.S. officials cited by Axios, Israel is pressuring the United States to launch an attack on Iran, but Donald Trump is reluctant to go to war.

US Officials say no one has succeeded in convincing Trump to authorize a strike. Initially, Trump supported airstrikes during mass protests in Iran, but he now views military intervention as a mistake.
American leader also reportedly sees the release of the Epstein files as a way to counter Israeli pressure.

According to an AFP report, the United States is still planning talks with Iranian officials this week, the White House said Tuesday, even after a US warplane shot down an Iranian drone that approached an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea.

"I just spoke with special envoy (Steve) Witkoff, and these talks as of right now are still scheduled," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters, adding that they were due to happen "later this week."

"President Trump is always wanting to pursue diplomacy first, but obviously it takes two to tango," Leavitt said outside the West Wing.


The meeting between Witkoff, a businessman whom Trump has appointed as his roving global conflict negotiator, and Iranian officials will "probably" take place in Turkey, a source close to the issue told AFP.


The US military said earlier that an F-35C stealth fighter jet shot down the Iranian drone that "aggressively" drew near to the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier on Tuesday.


Trump's spokeswoman added that the US president was keeping open the possibility of military action against Iran, with a large number of US warships now in the region.

"Of course, the president has always a range of options on the table, and that includes the use of military force," Leavitt told Fox News in a separate interview.

She added that "the Iranians know that better than anyone," referring to US military strikes that hit Iran's nuclear program last year.

However, a Tehran source, Iran’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday the location and timing of talks with the United States are not complicated matters and should not be turned into a media issue, adding that consultations about the venue are ongoing and details will be announced once finalized.


Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei thanked all "friendly countries that, out of concern and goodwill, have worked to help create the conditions for a diplomatic process."


“In principle, the venue and timing of talks are not complicated issues and should not be used as a pretext for media games," Baghaei said.


"Turkey and Oman, as well as some other countries in the region, have declared their readiness to host the talks, which we consider highly valuable."


"Consultations to determine the venue are also ongoing, and information will be announced as soon as a final decision is made," he added.

Has US War Plans on Iran Hit a Wall?

American President Donald Trump has options, but not the one he wants. According to U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon can launch immediate, limited strikes on Iran, yet lacks readiness for a full scale, decisive assault. No attack is expected anytime soon.

A major operation would demand far stronger air defenses to shield Israel and U.S. assets. Anticipating massive Iranian ballistic missile retaliation, the U.S. is now rushing Patriot and THAAD systems into position across the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Israeli security officials are warning the United States against moving toward what they describe as a bad deal with Iran, cautioning that Tehran is attempting to mislead Washington through tactical concessions. The warning comes amid quiet diplomatic contacts and growing concern in Jerusalem that pressure on the Iranian regime could be eased.

Behind the scenes, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir made a rapid visit to Washington over the weekend, meeting senior U.S. military officials and presenting Israeli intelligence on Iran’s efforts to rebuild its ballistic missile program. Israeli defense officials say Iran may show limited flexibility on the nuclear file, but will not compromise on missiles or its regional proxy network.

Israel has set three conditions for any acceptable agreement:

No nuclear program

No ballistic missiles

No support for regional proxies

While U.S. forces continue deploying additional assets to the Middle East. Israeli officials stress that while military pressure is rising, any attempt to overthrow the Iranian regime would require a force far larger than what is currently deployed.

Has US War Plans on Iran Hit a Wall? 

Iranian leaders have also affirmed that United States President Donald Trump is only using negotiations to buy more time for military build up in the military against Iran. 

Other reports say Israel is preparing to strike Iran without U.S. involvement.  Tonight, the army will conduct home-front drills, and the public will be notified. 

Prime Minister Netanyahu held a high-level security meeting with top military and intelligence officials after the Chief of Staff returned from U.S. talks.

TelAviv is putting heavy pressure on Washington to block any deal and launch an attack on Iran.

Why American Donald Trump' Back down on Tehran: Classified report says USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying nuclear weapons, would not survive against Iran’s precision missiles

A classified report obtained by Prime Trust revealed that the United States refrained from attacking Iran after learning that the USS Abraham Lincoln, carrying nuclear weapons, would not survive against Iran’s precision missiles.

The USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Strike Group has been confirmed to have sailed due east, away from the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is currently holding position approximately 1100 km from Iran.

 

The report states that Iran currently possesses over 3,000 precision-guided missiles, along with a large number of Shaheed drones.

The main challenge that caused the U.S. to pull back was the high number of Fateh-110 missiles Iran currently has.

Other reports on Trump’s statements further indicate U.S. President Donald Trump’s caution regarding his threats to attack Iran, as he shifted back toward negotiations and the peace table, instead of relying on military force.

 The Trump administration has told Iran through multiple channels that it is open to meeting to negotiate a deal, promising it is serious negotiations and not a bluff. 

Multiple Arab countries are trying to arrange a meeting in Ankara between Steve Witkoff and Iranian officials. 

According to Israeli Chwmnel 11, "Trump wants to dismantle Iran's nuclear program, but Israel demands the dismantling of its missile capabilities."

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei in a public event in Tehran said Americans must realize that if they ignite a war, this time it will not be a limited war, but a regional war.

- The Americans have been issuing threats in their statements in the past, saying that "all options are on the table," including the option of war.

- This man (Trump) keeps claiming that they have brought in aircraft carriers and other things, but the Iranian people should not be intimidated by such things; the Iranian people are not affected by these threats.

- We are not the ones who initiate things, and we do not want to attack any country, but the Iranian people will deliver a strong and decisive blow to anyone who attacks or harms them.