Mike Igini, who previously served as the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Akwa Ibom State, has raised alarms regarding the Senate's recent decision to retract its earlier support for the mandatory electronic transmission of election results. He characterized this shift as a significant threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Igini expressed his concerns in light of the discussions surrounding the recent amendments to the Electoral Act 2022 by the Senate.
According to reports, the Senate on Tuesday reversed its earlier decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results from polling units directly to the INEC’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV) after counting votes. The Senate subsequently altered the Electoral Act to permit this digital process.
Critics have voiced disapproval of the amendment, pointing out that it does not enforce electronic transmission as mandatory and includes provisions that manual results will be the primary method if internet connectivity fails.
In his statement, Igini cautioned that the allowance for manual results transmission embedded in the Act could facilitate manipulation by those seeking to distort electoral outcomes in the country.
"Such gaps in the law would potentially be exploited to alter polling-unit results, as seen during previous elections where similar loopholes were not addressed," he noted.
Igini outlined in his press statement that the recent changes could jeopardize the re-election prospects of lawmakers, noting that those who are out of favor with their state governors risk losing their nominations and subsequent elections, despite grassroots support.
He underscored that Nigerians have persistently called for real-time electronic transmission of results to prevent alterations post-polling at various aggregation points. Public accessibility to results is seen as a deterrent that could unveil any discrepancies.
Igini further emphasized the critical need for a reliable and secure electronic transmission system, stating that it is essential for maintaining the democratic fabric of the nation and ensuring political battles do not compromise electoral integrity.
In his historical analysis, he referred to previous electoral cycles from 2007 to 2023, demonstrating the high turnover rates of elected officials and the alarming repercussions of poor electoral practices, emphasizing that over 60% of legislators typically do not retain their seats due to these vulnerabilities.
He concluded with a plea to the National Assembly to re-evaluate the amendments, calling for an unequivocal commitment to direct and immediate electronic transmission of results. He urged the judiciary not to undermine the safeguards for democracy and the rule of law, lest history repeats itself with negative consequences for governance in Nigeria.
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