Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has called for urgent reforms to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory in Nigeria. Speaking on June 12, Democracy Day, at The Platform event organized by Covenant Nation in Lagos, Jega emphasized that greater use of technology is essential for transparency and accountability in the country’s electoral process.
Jega urged lawmakers to amend the Electoral Act to remove ambiguities and explicitly require INEC to transmit results electronically, arguing that this would help restore public trust and integrity in Nigerian elections. He noted that transparent testing and civil engagement around electoral technologies are crucial, given the persistent skepticism among Nigerians about the credibility of election outcomes.
His call comes in the wake of the highly contested 2023 presidential election, where the lack of mandatory electronic transmission of results became a central issue in legal challenges to the outcome. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that INEC could choose its method of result transmission, highlighting the need for clearer legal provisions.
Beyond technology, Jega also advocated for part-time legislators and a reduction in the number of elected officials to ease financial pressure on the country. He further recommended reforms to ensure early voting for election workers, diaspora voting, and greater inclusion of women in politics.
Jega’s proposals have reignited national debate on electoral reforms, with many stakeholders agreeing that mandatory electronic transmission of results is vital for credible, free, and fair elections in Nigeria.
