The Senate has defended its decision to make electronic transmission of election results discretionary rather than mandatory in the Electoral Bill 2026, citing Nigeria’s communication and power infrastructure constraints.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Media and Public Affairs, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the amendment was guided by empirical data—not sentiment—reflecting the country’s infrastructural realities.
Why Electronic Transmission of Election Results Was Modified
The upper chamber reviewed Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill 2026, which proposed that presiding officers “shall electronically transmit the results from each polling unit to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in real time.”
Following deliberations, lawmakers deleted the phrase “real time” and inserted a provision allowing Form EC8A to serve as the primary means of collation where internet access fails.
Bamidele explained that while real-time electronic transmission of election results could enhance transparency and public trust, implementation challenges remain significant.
NCC Data Influenced Senate’s Decision
Citing figures from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Senate leader said Nigeria recorded about 70 percent broadband coverage in 2025, while internet penetration stood at 44.53 percent of the population.
He also referenced the Speedtest Global Index, which ranked Nigeria:
- 85th out of 105 countries in mobile network reliability
- 129th out of 150 countries in fixed broadband reliability
Mobile speeds averaged 44.14 Mbps, while fixed broadband stood at 33.32 Mbps—below global benchmarks.
According to Bamidele, mandating real-time electronic transmission of election results under these conditions could create logistical bottlenecks during nationwide polls.
Power Supply Constraints Add to Concerns
Beyond connectivity, the Senate highlighted electricity limitations as a key factor.
Approximately 85 million Nigerians—about 43 percent of the population—lack access to grid power. Although installed generation capacity ranges between 12,000 and 13,500 megawatts, only around 4,500 megawatts are deliverable due to transmission and distribution challenges.
Bamidele argued that inconsistent electricity supply could further complicate mandatory electronic result uploads, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Balancing Transparency with Practical Realities
The Senate maintained that the revised Clause 60(3 & 5) preserves provisions for electronic transmission of election results, while allowing flexibility in cases of technical failure.
According to Bamidele, effective lawmaking must align with institutional capacity, technological readiness, electoral logistics, digital infrastructure, broadband penetration, power reliability, statutory compliance, operational feasibility, democratic stability, legislative prudence, governance accountability, network coverage, transmission resilience, rural connectivity, public confidence, electoral integrity, administrative efficiency, and constitutional safeguards.
He warned that legislation detached from prevailing realities could inadvertently destabilize the electoral process.
As debate continues over the future of electronic transmission of election results, the Senate insists its approach reflects a pragmatic balance between reform ambitions and infrastructural capability.