Former REC Urges Full Adoption of E-Transmission to Safeguard Electoral Integrity in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria — Former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mike Igini, has emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt electronic transmission of election results as a cornerstone of electoral integrity and democratic accountability. Speaking at a Yiaga Africa roundtable themed 'Electronic Transmission and Electoral Integrity: Safeguarding the Vote under the Electoral Act 2026,' Igini highlighted the critical role of technology in combating electoral manipulation and enhancing public trust. 'Electronic transmission is not just a tool; it is a safeguard for the democratic process,' said Igini. The event, held in Abuja on Friday, brought together stakeholders to discuss the implications of the Electoral Act 2026, which Igini argued contains provisions that could hinder progress. While acknowledging INEC's strides in adopting innovations like the Smart Card Reader and Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Igini expressed concern over Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act 2026. This provision retains the manually-signed Form EC8A as the primary source for result collation, despite the introduction of electronic transmission. 'This is a setback that risks undermining the gains made through technological reforms,' Igini said. He cited the Supreme Court's characterization of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) as a viewing tool rather than a mechanism for real-time result transmission, a stance he argued conflicts with INEC's constitutional mandate. 'The court's interpretation could weaken transparency and erode public confidence in the electoral process,' he warned. Igini also called for strategic investments in technology, robust cybersecurity measures, and greater stakeholder engagement to address challenges such as infrastructure gaps and resistance from political actors. 'We must ensure that the public is informed and that the judiciary upholds the rule of law,' he urged. The former REC emphasized that democracy without judicial independence is vulnerable to abuse by political elites. 'Justice Ademola once said judges should not be seen to blow muted trumpets. They must stand tall and mighty in defence of democracy and the rule of law,' Igini quoted. He warned that the absence of a courageous judiciary could lead to a scenario where 'vicious men take what they want.' Despite acknowledging the challenges, Igini remained optimistic about the potential of electronic transmission to enhance transparency, reduce human error, and strengthen electoral credibility. 'Real-time uploads will not only improve accountability but also empower citizens to hold leaders accountable,' he said. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of the Electoral Act 2026, with Igini stressing the need for a balanced approach that harmonizes technological advancement with legal safeguards. As Nigeria prepares for future elections, the call for a fully integrated electronic transmission system remains a pivotal step in ensuring the integrity of its democratic process.

He also said the constitutional language that protects INEC from outside control should guide any interpretation of election procedures, including how results move from polling units to collation centres. According to him, once technology has proved reliable in pilots and nationwide accreditation, Nigeria should avoid legal ambiguities that reopen routes for result manipulation and post-election disputes.