Buba Galadima Slams Senate: “You Are Servants, Not Above the People” Over Electoral Act Amendment

NNPP chieftain warns inclusion of ‘but’ in electronic transmission bill could enable 2027 election rigging

Buba Galadima, a senior chieftain of the New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP), has called on the Senate to remember that lawmakers are public servants whose duty is to legislate for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Galadima criticised the proposed amendment to the 2022 Electoral Act, particularly the wording of the electronic transmission of election results. He claimed the insertion of the word “but” could create loopholes, potentially facilitating election manipulation in the 2027 general elections.

“Senators Are Not Above the People”

Galadima asserted that the Senate’s approach reflects arrogance and underestimation of Nigerians’ intelligence.

“The Senate should know that they are our servants. We sent them to make laws for the good governance of Nigeria,” he said.

He added: “The Senate hasn’t made any real amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act. What they did was try to be wise by half, thinking Nigerians are as unintelligent as they are. We are not accepting any electronic transmission bill with a ‘but’. It will only enhance rigging. Senators do not have an opinion above the opinion of the people.”

Advocating Full Electronic Transmission

Galadima stressed that electronic transmission of election results enjoys near-universal support in Nigeria, saying:

“In Nigeria, 101% supports electronic transmission of election results. There’s no single person, except a beneficiary of fraud, who supports manual transfer of election results.”

The NNPP chieftain’s remarks come as the Senate debates the proposed amendment of the Electoral Act, a move seen as pivotal to ensuring transparency and credibility in upcoming elections.