Nigerian Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, who represents Abia South, has identified a major challenge in the country’s electoral system: the problem lies not with the technology itself but with how courts interpret the law. He made this observation during a recent review of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) innovations in electoral technology held in Abuja.
Abaribe stressed his support for innovations that improve the electoral process, citing his own experience as a beneficiary of INEC’s direct transmission of results. However, he noted that the judicial system has failed to keep pace with INEC’s technological advancements. According to the senator, courts often disregard INEC guidelines, which should be considered part of electoral law. This disconnect between the commission’s innovations and the judiciary’s interpretation can have significant implications for Nigeria’s elections.
The review, organized by the Anthena Centre, examined INEC’s technological innovations from 2015 to 2025, providing a platform for stakeholders to assess progress and identify areas for improvement. Abaribe’s comments underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to electoral reform—one that addresses both technological advancements and the legal framework governing elections.
As Nigeria prepares for future elections, aligning the judicial system with electoral innovations is crucial. The country’s ability to conduct free and fair elections will depend, in part, on the judiciary’s capacity to interpret the law in a way that supports the use of technology. By tackling this challenge, Nigeria can enhance the integrity and transparency of its elections, strengthening democracy and ensuring that the will of the people is accurately reflected in electoral outcomes.
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