Asaba, Delta State — The South-South Zonal Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, has raised concerns over key aspects of the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill, saying the changes may not significantly improve electoral transparency and public confidence if not strengthened.
Ogidi made the remarks during an interview with a Golden Nation Multimedia in Asaba over the weekend, where he offered a political and governance perspective on the Senate’s latest decisions regarding Nigeria’s electoral framework.
According to Ogidi, many Nigerians expected the Electoral Act amendment to introduce clearer provisions that would enhance transparency, strengthen democratic processes, and reduce election disputes.
He said stakeholders anticipated stronger legal backing for modern electoral practices, particularly the use of technology to manage elections and transmit results.
However, he expressed disappointment with aspects of the legislative outcome, arguing that some decisions fell short of expectations for deep electoral reform.
One of the major issues raised by the PDP leader was the Senate’s decision to retain the existing provision on electronic transmission of election results rather than making it mandatory.
Lawmakers maintained that presiding officers should transmit results “in a manner prescribed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),” instead of explicitly requiring real-time electronic transmission from polling units.
Ogidi said clearer legal provisions would have reduced confusion and strengthened public trust in election outcomes.
He noted that technological improvements could help address longstanding concerns about result manipulation and improve transparency during elections.
The Senate also rejected a proposed 10-year jail term for individuals involved in buying or selling Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), retaining a two-year imprisonment term while increasing the fine from ₦2 million to ₦5 million.
Ogidi questioned whether the revised penalties would be strong enough to deter electoral malpractice, stressing that vote buying and voter manipulation remain major threats to credible elections in Nigeria.
The PDP zonal chairman emphasized the importance of adopting modern technology in election management, including clearer legal backing for electronic systems.
He argued that ambiguity in the law could lead to legal disputes and undermine efforts to modernize Nigeria’s electoral process.
Ogidi added that countries around the world are adopting digital systems to enhance electoral credibility and urged Nigeria to strengthen its legal framework to keep pace with global standards.
Responding to questions about internal PDP leadership disputes in Delta State, Ogidi said such matters were already before the courts and should be resolved through due process.
He called on party members to respect legal institutions and avoid actions that could deepen political tensions.
In his closing remarks, Ogidi urged PDP members and Nigerians to remain engaged in the democratic process and continue advocating for credible elections.
He emphasized that electoral reforms must prioritize transparency, fairness, and voter confidence, adding that active citizen participation is essential for strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
