By Peter Omopo
The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised recent remarks by the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, over claims that the Senate rejected the electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the party referenced clarifications by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, both of whom reaffirmed the Senate’s long-standing support for the use of technology in Nigeria’s electoral process. According to the APC, the lawmakers explained that electronic transmission of results remains provided for under the Electoral Act and is subject to the operational capacity and discretion of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party said these clarifications contradicted what it described as a “false and misleading narrative” suggesting that the Senate opposed electronic transmission. It accused Obi of amplifying the claim without proper verification.
According to the APC, the Senate’s position was not a rejection of technology but an effort to strengthen the legal framework to ensure that any deployment of electronic systems in elections is credible, secure and aligned with INEC’s technical readiness. The party argued that presenting the issue as a rejection either reflected a misunderstanding of legislative procedures or amounted to deliberate political misrepresentation.
The Lagos APC also criticised Obi’s public interventions, alleging a pattern of premature commentary, selective use of statistics and negative portrayals of Nigeria, particularly on international platforms. It warned that such actions could undermine public confidence, deepen divisions and weaken national cohesion.
The party further expressed concern over what it described as Obi’s reliance on social media populism and his handling of the conduct of some of his supporters, saying these raised questions about his leadership temperament.
Reiterating its stance, the APC said democracy thrives on truth, restraint and responsibility, adding that Nigeria needs leadership rooted in diligence, emotional intelligence and patriotism. It maintained that the Senate’s position on electronic transmission is clear and that the available facts do not support Obi’s claims.
