By Francis Duru
A fresh wave of controversy has engulfed Nigeria’s electoral reform process following remarks attributed to the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, regarding the electronic transmission of election results. The comments, made amid ongoing deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act, have sparked intense public debate about the credibility and future of Nigeria’s democratic system.
At the heart of the dispute is whether the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should be empowered — or required — to transmit election results electronically and in real time from polling units across the country.
A Question of Capacity or Political Will?
During recent legislative discussions, the Senate President reportedly stated that INEC may not be able to electronically transmit results directly from polling units nationwide. Instead, he suggested that results should continue to be physically transported and processed at designated collation centres.
The remarks have drawn criticism from civil society groups, political commentators, and segments of the public who argue that electronic transmission is both feasible and necessary to strengthen electoral transparency.
Critics point to a striking contradiction: while armed groups, terrorists, and other non-state actors have demonstrated the ability to communicate and even live-stream activities from remote forests and wilderness areas across Nigeria, the nation’s electoral body is said to lack the capacity to transmit simple election data in real time.
“This raises serious questions,” said a political analyst in Abuja. “If criminal networks can deploy advanced communication tools in remote regions, why can’t a sovereign nation ensure secure digital transmission of election results?”
Collation Centres Under Scrutiny
Much of the opposition to manual collation stems from longstanding allegations that collation centres have historically served as flashpoints for electoral malpractice. Over the years, these centres have been repeatedly cited in reports of irregularities, result alterations, and disputes that often end in protracted court battles.
Advocates of electronic transmission argue that uploading results directly from polling units would reduce human interference, minimize tampering, and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.
For many Nigerians, the debate touches a deeper nerve: whether votes genuinely determine electoral outcomes.
“Why conduct elections if the integrity of the process is constantly questioned?” asked a civil society advocate. “If votes do not count, then democracy itself becomes a ceremonial exercise.”
Resources and Technological Possibilities
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is not lacking in technical expertise or financial resources, observers note. Proponents of reform argue that if network challenges are cited as obstacles, alternative solutions — including satellite communication systems — could be deployed to ensure nationwide coverage.
Technology experts have also pointed out that secure data transmission systems, including encrypted uploads via satellite phones or hybrid network solutions, are neither novel nor unattainable in 2025.
“The issue is not technological impossibility,” said a Lagos-based ICT consultant. “It is about legislative clarity, funding commitment, and political will.”
Political Stakes and Reform Concerns
Underlying the controversy is a more sensitive allegation: that certain political actors may resist comprehensive reforms because a fully transparent system could alter electoral outcomes.
Observers note that lawmakers drafting electoral legislation are themselves beneficiaries of the current system. This dynamic, critics argue, creates an inherent conflict of interest.
The phrase “clever by half” — a British expression implying over-smartness that ultimately proves shortsighted — has surfaced in commentary surrounding the Senate President’s stance. Critics contend that dismissing electronic transmission on grounds of feasibility may underestimate both public expectations and technological reality.
INEC Yet to Issue Formal Position
As of press time, INEC has not issued a comprehensive public response specifically addressing the Senate President’s remarks. However, in previous elections, the commission has deployed digital tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), which were designed to enhance transparency.
The current debate is expected to intensify as the National Assembly continues deliberations on amendments to the Electoral Act. Civil society groups have signaled plans for advocacy campaigns aimed at ensuring that electronic transmission provisions are strengthened rather than weakened.
Democracy at a Crossroads
The controversy underscores broader concerns about the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic institutions. As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria’s electoral integrity carries significant regional and global implications.
For many citizens, the debate is not merely about technology but about trust.
In a country where democratic consolidation remains a work in progress, the question confronting lawmakers is stark: will electoral reforms deepen transparency and accountability, or reinforce longstanding skepticism about whether the will of the people truly prevails?
As the legislative process unfolds, Nigerians — and indeed the international community — will be watching closely.
