Why Real-Time Transmission of Election Results Remains a Challenge — Senate Spokesman

Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, has identified network availability as a key obstacle to real-time electronic transmission of election results.

Speaking on Arise Television on Thursday, Adaramodu noted that some polling units in Nigeria lack reliable network coverage. “If there is no network, the portals will not open, which means real-time transmission is already compromised,” he explained.

The comments followed the Senate’s rejection on Wednesday of a proposed amendment to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill. The amendment sought to make electronic transmission of election results mandatory.

Adaramodu elaborated on the practical challenges, saying that presiding officers might have to move to areas with network access to upload results. He added that such delays can spark disputes from candidates dissatisfied with outcomes in specific polling units.