A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Mike Igini, has called for the full adoption of electronic transmission of election results, describing it as critical to strengthening electoral integrity and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Igini made the remarks while delivering a keynote address at a Yiaga Africa roundtable in Abuja themed “Electronic Transmission and Electoral Integrity: Safeguarding the Vote under the Electoral Act 2026.”
He noted that democracy thrives on citizen participation and accountability, stressing that credible and periodic elections remain the bedrock of peaceful power transfer and citizens’ ability to shape their collective future.
Igini reaffirmed the constitutional independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, citing provisions of the 1999 Constitution that empower the electoral body to regulate its procedures without external interference.
According to him, INEC’s gradual adoption of technology, including the Smart Card Reader and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System, marked significant progress in curbing electoral manipulation and enhancing transparency.
He recalled that pilot electronic transmission of results was successfully conducted in Cross River, describing the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal as milestones that raised public confidence and expectations for more transparent elections.
However, Igini expressed concern over the proviso in Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act 2026, which retains the manually signed Form EC8A as the primary source for result collation despite electronic transmission.
He described the provision as a setback capable of undermining gains achieved through technological reforms.
Igini also referenced the Supreme Court’s characterisation of the INEC Result Viewing Portal as merely a viewing platform, arguing that such an interpretation conflicts with INEC’s constitutional powers to determine its operational procedures.
He warned that conditional electronic transmission could weaken transparency, fuel voter apathy and erode public trust in the electoral process.
Highlighting the benefits of electronic transmission, Igini said real time upload of results would enhance transparency, reduce human error and strengthen the credibility of election outcomes.
He acknowledged existing challenges, including infrastructure deficits, cybersecurity risks and resistance from political actors.
To address these concerns, Igini called for increased investment in technology, stronger security frameworks and broader stakeholder engagement. He also urged INEC to communicate more transparently with citizens on contentious electoral issues.
Emphasising the role of the judiciary, Igini stressed that the survival of democracy depends on a courageous and independent bench committed to upholding the rule of law.
“Sensitivity of the law is key to the practice of democracy. 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.
“Democracy without the rule of law is the coming together of vicious men to take what they want; when the court fails to hold political elites accountable, it fails,” Igini said.
