2027: Utomi says NDC planning independent election result transmission system
Political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is developing its own independent election result transmission system ahead of the 2027 general elections, aimed at enhancing transparency and real-time monitoring of votes.
Utomi explained that results from polling units across the country would be transmitted live and tracked globally through major international media platforms, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, as well as credible Nigerian news organisations.
He added that the party plans to deploy a strong nationwide network of polling unit agents to safeguard votes and ensure election officials are not subjected to intimidation during the electoral process.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) currently operates the INEC Result Viewing portal (IReV), a platform used to upload and transmit polling unit results, though it was associated with controversy during the 2023 general elections due to reported technical glitches.
Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has rejected the one-term presidential pledge made by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi, ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as unnecessary and undemocratic.
The forum also criticised the performance of the President Bola Tinubu administration after three years in office, while engaging in broader commentary on governance and political developments.
ACF National Secretary, Tukur Baba, said such political promises were not only unnecessary but also not supported by the constitution.
“Such a promise is totally unnecessary, even as a campaign material, it is still very unnecessary.
”Firstly, such a power shift is not a constitutional provision. It is a matter for political parties to decide,” he said.
He argued that rotational power arrangements could deepen divisions in the country along ethnic and religious lines.
“Another leading presidential candidate had mentioned that and that is not correct. Secondly, it is very undemocratic, we cannot be practicing democracy and are putting all kinds of road blocks,” he added.
Baba further warned that continued reliance on zoning and rotation could undermine national unity.
“We have at least four hundred ethnic groups in this country and three major religious groups. The more we stick to the power shift, the more we embrace division among us,” he said.
He questioned the practicality of term-limit pledges, arguing that leadership performance should determine re-election rather than pre-set commitments.
“By him promising one term means he is likely not going to do his best. He is being unfair to the electorate,” he said.
Baba stressed that governance should focus on security, education, healthcare and anti-corruption efforts rather than zoning politics.
The ACF, however, clarified that it has no preferred candidate and said its role is to analyse political developments while leaving final choices to voters.
