The Nigeria Political Scientists Association (NPSA) has expressed serious concerns regarding the Senate's recent decision to permit both electronic and manual transmission of election results within the country's electoral law. This decision, as articulated by the NPSA President Prof. Hassan Saliu, raises issues about the potential compromise of the electoral process, especially considering the historical context of technical failures in Nigeria's electoral infrastructure. The association argues that this dual approach could open the door for manipulation, as many politicians may prefer manual transmission methods due to the perceived electoral advantages they offer.

The NPSA emphasized that allowing these two modes to coexist introduces unnecessary risks and could lead to a lack of trust in the electoral outcomes. They point out that the reality of technological failures is a significant concern, and when such failures occur, the option to revert to manual transmission could jeopardize the integrity of the results. Moreover, the association is worried that this compromise may exacerbate the already entrenched issues of electoral malpractices in Nigeria, where many politicians are more focused on winning elections than on promoting fair and transparent electoral processes.

In light of these issues, the NPSA's critical stance reflects a broader sentiment among experts and observers regarding the political climate in Nigeria. The potential for manipulation and the lack of faith in the political system may deter citizen engagement and voter participation in future elections. This development brings to the forefront the need for a more robust and transparent electoral framework that prioritizes the integrity of the voting process over political expediency, urging the government to reconsider this decision before it affects the democratic process in Nigeria.