2027 Polls: NDC Plans Independent Result Transmission, Says Utomi

• ACF criticises Peter Obi’s one‑term pledge and Tinubu’s “shambolic” performance

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi said the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is developing its own independent system for transmitting election results in the 2027 polls.

Utomi explained that results from polling units across Nigeria would be streamed live and monitored worldwide through major international media outlets, including CNN, BBC, Al Jazeera, Fox News, and reputable Nigerian news organisations.

The party also plans to deploy a robust network of polling‑unit agents nationwide to safeguard votes and protect election officials from intimidation.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates an election transmission centre, I‑rev, where all results are collated and sent to INEC offices.

During the 2023 general election, the I‑rev was at the centre of several controversies that the election management body described as technical glitches.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has rejected the NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi’s one‑term promise.

The Forum also criticised President Bola Tinubu’s government, calling its performance poor after three years in office.

ACF said Obi’s pledge to serve only one term undermines Nigeria’s democracy and is unconstitutional.

The stance adds to the growing debate over the NDC candidate’s pledge and its implications for regional power dynamics ahead of the next general election.

Obi has vowed to serve only a single four‑year term if elected in 2027, stating that four years are sufficient for a sincere leader to transform the country positively.

In a national TV interview, the former Anambra State governor insisted he would serve only one term and hand over to the North “even with a gun to my head.”

In an exclusive interview, ACF National Secretary Tukur Baba said such pledges are unnecessary.

“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,” Baba said.

“Another leading presidential candidate mentioned it and that is not correct. Secondly, it is very undemocratic; we cannot practice democracy while putting all kinds of roadblocks. That is not democracy.”

“Thirdly, when you rotate power from one geopolitical zone to another, tomorrow it may become a religious affair. They will say it is time for so‑and‑so religion.”

“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.”

“Why would Peter Obi make such a promise? Suppose he becomes president and performs excellently in his first tenure—would it be fair for Nigerians, North or South, men or women to say Obi will not go again because he made a promise even though he is good?”

“By promising one term he is likely not going to do his best. He is being unfair to the electorate. All we need is good governance.”

“We want accountability, fair representation and good welfare for citizens. Welfare includes security, schools, health and anti‑corruption drives.”

“If Peter Obi comes to power and after two years we see results, it will be unfair for him to say he only wants four years.”

“Imagine if in two years Obi can tame banditry, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups across the country, then he says he wants to leave after four years—it would be unfair to those who elected him.”

“If I sit down with Peter Obi, I will tell him, ‘you promised one term and then return power to another region, that is irresponsible.’”

“Until we abolish tribalism and region‑based politics, we may not progress as a country. We are marching backwards.”

He clarified that the group has no preferred policy candidate; its duty is to analyse and allow the electorate to decide.