Political economist and National Democratic Congress (NDC) chieftain, Prof. Pat Utomi, has disclosed that the party is developing an independent election result transmission system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to Utomi, the platform will enable polling unit results from across the country to be transmitted and monitored in real time, with access available to both local and international observers.

He said the party also plans to deploy a robust network of polling unit agents nationwide to safeguard votes and prevent intimidation of election officials during the electoral process.

The announcement comes amid lingering concerns over the credibility of electronic result transmission following controversies surrounding the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) result viewing portal, IReV, during the 2023 general elections.

Meanwhile, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has criticised the one-term pledge made by the NDC presidential candidate, Peter Obi.

Speaking on the issue, the ACF National Secretary, Tukur Baba, described the promise as unnecessary and inconsistent with democratic principles.

Baba argued that political leadership should be determined by performance and the will of voters rather than informal power-sharing arrangements based on geography or region.

He maintained that if a president performs exceptionally well in office, citizens should retain the constitutional right to decide whether such a leader deserves a second term.

According to him, excessive emphasis on regional power rotation risks deepening divisions along ethnic and religious lines instead of promoting national unity and good governance.

While reaffirming that the ACF has not endorsed any presidential candidate, Baba said the forum’s role remains to analyse national issues and allow Nigerians to make informed electoral choices.

The debate over Obi’s one-term commitment continues to generate discussion across the political landscape as parties and stakeholders position themselves ahead of the 2027 presidential election.