PARALLAX SNAPS: Akpabio, Providence Has Bankrolled Your Life Journey—Listen to Nigerians

BY TONY OKAFOR

Say it anywhere, nature has blessed Senate President Godswill Akpabio abundantly.

He was a governor in his 40s, served as a super minister of the federal republic, became a senator, and now Senate President.

His life has been marked by extraordinary achievements—a clear reflection that providence has bankrolled his life journey. At this stage of life, in his 60s, Akpabio has no personal need to act against the public interest.

History shows that working against the people rarely serves any lasting purpose, no matter how alluring the immediate circumstances may appear.

The recent decision of the Senate, under the leadership of President Akpabio, to remove the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results from the amended Electoral Act has sparked widespread concern and outrage.

While the House of Representatives rightly endorsed compulsory real-time e-transmission, the Senate’s reversal undermines the progress achieved in electoral transparency.

Reports indicate that 85 percent of senators initially supported electronic transmission of results. Yet the final decision rejected mandatory real-time uploads, retaining only the older, less transparent method introduced in the 2022 law.

In an era where technology can strengthen democratic accountability, this step backward is difficult to justify.

In defending this position, Akpabio cited network limitations in nine states due to insecurity and the possibility of national grid failures.

While operational challenges exist, they cannot legally or morally override the imperative of electoral integrity. Akpabio should be thinking about how best to fight and end insecurity—not how to allow it to persist so that weak, compromised elections could be held in affected areas.

The Senate President’s assertion that INEC alone determines electoral modalities is legally flawed.

INEC operates strictly within the framework of laws enacted by the National Assembly. Courts have consistently held that guidelines or administrative instructions issued by INEC, without statutory backing, cannot substitute for legislative enactments.

In short, the law—not convenience or fear of technical glitches—governs elections the world over.

The public outcry is grounded in a demand for transparency. Opposition parties, civil society, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and ordinary citizens recognize that credible elections require real-time visibility of results. Electronic transmission is not a technological luxury—it is an essential safeguard against manipulation, malpractice, and public distrust.

Senate President Akpabio now faces a defining moment: he can either adhere to procedural excuses or rise to the call of statesmanship by listening to the heartbeat of Nigerians.

The overwhelming majority of lawmakers and citizens understand that technology is the pathway to credible elections.

Akpabio’s legacy will be judged by courage, foresight, and commitment to the people—not political expediency.

Electronic transmission of results, as rightly advocated by the House of Representatives, is the future of Nigerian elections. It is time for the Senate to align itself with democratic progress, the rule of law, and public confidence.

Akpabio, nature has done you well—do not act against the tide of history. Allow Nigerians to witness, in real time, the transparency and integrity they deserve in elections.

Ubi jus Ibi remedium.