Electronic transmission of election results is key to democracy, says Mike Igini

2026-03-02 - 14:18

By Gabriel Ewepu ABUJA — Ahead of the 2027 general elections, two-term Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mike Igini has emphasized that electronic transmission of election results represents far more than a technological upgrade, describing it as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democratic process. Igini made the remarks during a keynote address at the Yiaga Roundtable Discussion on “Electronic Transmission and Electoral Integrity: Safeguarding the Vote under the Electoral Act 2026.” He highlighted that real-time result transmission promotes transparency, accountability, accuracy, and credibility in elections. “Electronic transmission of election results is more than a technological upgrade — it should be a vital component of Nigeria’s democratic DNA. By harnessing its potential, we can ensure credible elections, reinforce democratic legitimacy, and safeguard the vote for future generations,” Igini said. He stressed that the main challenge to electronic transmission is stakeholder resistance, not weaknesses in the system itself. “Elections are meant to define accountability, but when those who are to be held accountable determine the rules, the result is statute capture and sabotage,” he added. Igini also traced the evolution of technology in Nigeria’s elections, noting that the adoption of ICT tools was a response to decades of electoral manipulation. Under former INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega, key innovations included the biometric register, electronic accreditation, e-balloting, and e-transmission of polling unit results. He recalled his own experience piloting e-transmission during Cross River State’s gubernatorial election under Governor Liyel Imoke and highlighted the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) under Professor Mahmood Yakubu, which facilitates both voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). “ICT has ushered in a new era for Nigeria’s democracy, with the expectation that electronic transmission of polling unit results will secure electoral integrity. However, the proviso in Section 60(3) of the 2026 Electoral Act undermines this progress,” Igini said, warning that it could weaken the sanctity of the vote. He called on Nigeria to leverage technology to protect the ballot, strengthen democratic legitimacy, and enhance public trust rather than backslide. “Electronic transmission should be central to credible elections. By embracing this innovation, Nigeria can entrench accountability, foster confidence in the electoral process, and sustain its democratic growth,” Igini concluded.