“Electronic Transmission Cannot Replace Manual Voting” — Tinubu on Nigeria’s Electoral System

President Bola Tinubu has stressed that while technology plays an important role in elections, manual processes remain the backbone of Nigeria’s voting system.

Speaking after assenting to the Electoral Act (Amendment) 2026, Tinubu said electronic transmission of results is supportive, not a replacement for human management.

“No matter how good a system is, it is managed by people, promoted by people and finalized by people. You are not going to be talking to a computer; you are going to be talking to human beings who announce the results,” he said.

He emphasized that the reforms aim to safeguard democratic stability and prevent voter disenfranchisement. “What is crucial is that you manage the process to the extent that there will be no confusion and no disenfranchisement of Nigerians, and we are all going to see democracy flourish,” Tinubu added.

Highlighting the balance between technology and human oversight, the President noted that the manual voting and counting process remains central, with electronic transmission acting as a support mechanism. “Essentially, what we are looking at is the transmission of manual results, and we must avoid glitches. Nigeria will flourish and continue to nurture this democracy for prosperity and stability,” he said.

Tinubu also praised the National Assembly for a thorough deliberation on the amendment. “The essence of democracy is to have very solid brainstorming discussions committed to national development and nation-building and the stability of the nation,” he said.