A former spokesperson for Nigeria’s now-defunct nPDP, Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has urged President Bola Tinubu to permit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Eze questioned the administration’s resistance to the technology, contrasting it with President Tinubu’s claims of widespread popularity and his declared victory in the 2023 presidential election. In a statement on Thursday, Eze reminded both President Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the integrity of the 2027 general elections is paramount.
He alleged that despite political efforts to consolidate support, the administration remains anxious about future elections and is taking steps to secure victory in 2027. This follows the Nigerian Senate’s recent position opposing the use of real-time electronic result transmission, a stance that has drawn significant public criticism.
Eze praised Nigerians for rejecting the Senate’s stance, stating the public is now prepared to defend the nation’s democracy. He specifically commended former Minister Rotimi Amaechi and former presidential candidate Peter Obi, among others, for mobilizing supporters to protest at the National Assembly.
He argued that the method for conducting the 2027 elections should be determined by the public’s demand for free and fair processes, not by presidential preference. Labeling opposition to electronic transmission as anti-democratic, Eze emphasized that Nigeria must abandon outdated electoral methods in favor of available technology to ensure credible elections.
The issue centers on INEC’s existing regulations, which already provide for electronic result transmission but have faced implementation challenges and political pushback. Advocates argue that real-time electronic transmission enhances transparency and reduces opportunities for result manipulation. Critics, however, have raised concerns about infrastructure reliability and potential vulnerabilities.
The debate highlights ongoing tensions over electoral reforms in Nigeria. As the nation looks toward the 2027 polls, the call for technological adoption in the voting process remains a critical point of discussion between civil society, political actors, and the legislature. The final decision on INEC’s operational guidelines will significantly shape perceptions of the electoral system’s credibility.
