—— Urges Practical Approach to Electoral Act Amendment on E-Transmission
The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on Nigeria’s lawmakers to ensure that any amendment to the Electoral Act mandating electronic transmission of election results reflects the country’s current digital and infrastructural realities.
In a statement addressing the ongoing national debate on live electronic transmission of results, PeacePro described the goal of strengthening electoral integrity through technology as commendable. However, the organisation cautioned against adopting legal provisions that may prove impractical across many parts of the country.
According to PeacePro, available data shows uneven access to critical financial and internet infrastructure nationwide. It noted that about 300 of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas (LGAs) lack commercial bank branches, while roughly 301 LGAs still do not have reliable internet connectivity capable of supporting digital services such as electronic result transmission.
The group further highlighted the deep urban–rural digital divide, with internet access estimated at about 23 per cent in rural communities compared to 57 per cent in urban areas. Overall national internet usage, it added, stood at approximately 36 per cent of the population in 2024.
While acknowledging that weak connectivity in some LGAs does not automatically mean all polling units are offline, PeacePro warned that a strict legal requirement for immediate electronic transmission from every polling unit without backup options could lead to delays, disputes, loopholes and potential manipulation.
To address these concerns, the organisation recommended a more flexible and realistic legal framework. Its proposals include mandatory electronic upload of results within a defined time window, secure offline storage with automatic synchronisation once internet connectivity becomes available, alternative transmission channels such as satellite systems at ward and LGA collation centres, and stiff criminal penalties for refusal to upload results or deliberate tampering with devices.
PeacePro also observed that fully live electronic transmission from every polling unit is uncommon globally, citing challenges experienced in countries like Kenya. It noted that many nations instead adopt hybrid digital reporting systems that do not rely solely on instant transmission from all polling locations.
The organisation maintained that credible elections in Nigeria require evidence-based reforms that balance transparency with existing infrastructural limitations. It warned that unrealistic legal mandates could introduce operational, legal and electoral risks rather than strengthen the system.
PeacePro reaffirmed its support for secure, transparent and digitally enhanced elections but stressed that reforms must be grounded in Nigeria’s current technological capacity to ensure effectiveness and public confidence.