Nigerian Rights Activist Criticizes Senate Rejection of Electronic Election Results Transmission
LAGOS — A prominent Nigerian rights activist has criticised the Senate’s recent rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results, calling the decision a setback for democratic transparency in the country.
Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, President of the Centre for Change, expressed her concerns in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday. She stated that the Senate’s vote to retain the existing provisions of the 2022 Electoral Act, which do not mandate electronic results transmission, undermines public trust in the electoral process.
Okei-Odumakin argued that the move contradicts widespread public demand for greater credibility in elections, which are frequently challenged in court. She described electronic transmission as “not a luxury; it is a safeguard,” explaining that the technology reduces human interference, limits opportunities for manipulation, and strengthens voter confidence.
The activist acknowledged potential concerns about infrastructure and security but dismissed them as insufficient reasons to halt reforms. She asserted that such challenges require dedicated investment and political will to overcome, not the abandonment of progress.
“Nigerians are not asking for perfection, they are asking for progress,” Okei-Odumakin said, reaffirming her support for the restoration of the mandatory electronic transmission clause and broader electoral reforms.
The Senate’s decision pertains to proposed amendments to the 2022 Electoral Act. The rejected amendments would have compelled the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to electronically transmit results directly from polling units to a central server, a process intended to enhance speed and accuracy. By voting against this mandate, the Senate maintained the Act’s current language, which uses the permissive term “may” instead of the compulsory “shall” regarding electronic transmission.
This debate occurs against a backdrop of Nigeria’s history of contentious elections and ongoing efforts to improve electoral integrity. Advocates for electronic transmission view it as a critical tool to reduce disputes and ensure that results accurately reflect the popular vote.
Okei-Odumakin’s criticism highlights the tension between legislative caution and activist-driven demands for technological solutions to bolster Nigeria’s democratic processes. Her statements align with civil society groups urging elected officials to prioritise measures that address long-standing issues of transparency and public confidence in voting outcomes.
