Those Pushing for Real-Time Election Results Are Trying to Disenfranchise Nigerians — NICO Boss

Abiodun Ajiboye, executive secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), has warned that mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results could disenfranchise millions of Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise TV, Ajiboye said the country’s current digital infrastructure is insufficient to support seamless nationwide transmission, particularly in rural areas with limited electricity and internet connectivity. He argued that imposing such a system by law could create “systematic voter suppression” rather than strengthen democracy.

Ajiboye’s remarks came in response to calls by opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Adewole Adebayo, for mandatory electronic transmission of results to increase transparency and public confidence.

He questioned the feasibility of the proposal, noting that the U.S. does not employ real-time transmission and that many Nigerian communities lack basic telecom services. “Technologically, it is not possible,” Ajiboye said, adding that forcing such a system could overwhelm both election officials and service providers.

The comments follow recent legislative developments. Last week, the Senate passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, but rejected an amendment requiring INEC to transmit results electronically from polling units. Opposition leaders have criticized the decision, with Atiku Abubakar calling it “a grave setback for electoral reform.”

Ajiboye emphasized that INEC should retain discretion in deploying technology, warning that overreliance on electronic systems could make elections vulnerable to cyberattacks. He recalled that INEC servers were targeted over a million times during the last elections.

Instead, he suggested that result sheets be scanned and uploaded after physical verification by party agents, maintaining that manual collation remains central to Nigeria’s electoral process.

“A man is only able to do what he is capable of. We have no capability to do electronic voting or real-time transmission at this time,” Ajiboye said.