Media personality Rufai Oseni has shared a copy of a result sheet from the 2023 general elections in Rivers State, drawing renewed attention to concerns over electoral transparency as lawmakers debate amendments to the Electoral Act.
The document, reportedly from Polling Unit 14 in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, indicates a total of 208 valid votes cast. The Labour Party is listed with 198 votes, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) is shown with 48 votes following visible alterations on the form. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) recorded five votes.
Oseni circulated the image amid ongoing discussions in the National Assembly over proposed amendments to the Electoral Act. The Senate has considered provisions that would retain manual collation of results in cases where technological systems fail. The debate has intensified calls from some stakeholders for mandatory electronic transmission of results ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Critics argue that the apparent alterations on the Rivers result sheet, as well as questions surrounding turnout figures, highlight vulnerabilities in the current system and underscore the need for stricter safeguards and compulsory electronic uploads. Others, however, caution that irregular markings or corrections have been observed on forms involving multiple political parties and do not necessarily indicate deliberate manipulation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not issued a specific statement regarding the circulating document. The broader controversy reflects ongoing national debate over the reliability of manual collation processes and the role of technology in strengthening electoral credibility.
