Associate Professor of Political Criminology, Dr. Suleiman Barnabas, has cautioned that the inclusion of manual collation as a fallback option in the suggested amendment to the Electoral Act could jeopardise efforts to enhance Nigeria’s electoral integrity.
During an interview on ARISE News on Sunday, Barnabas stated that Nigerians, irrespective of their political or social affiliations, are united in their aspiration to advance the nation's democratic processes. He remarked, “I think that Nigerians, of all persuasions, politicians, scholars, you know, the ordinary people, everyone agrees that we need to advance our democracy. And if we are going to advance our democracy, then they like our frameworks that will ensure that the people have confidence in our democratic processes and our elections are in place.”
Barnabas expressed disapproval of the Senate's decision to incorporate a condition that permits manual collation if electronic transmission encounters issues. He suggested that such flexibility could be exploited for illegitimate purposes.
“Yes, it’s true that there are some places in Nigeria that you have some, you know, challenges with network. But again, that is not the major reason for the decision of the Senate to, you know, insert that proviso, you know, that is intended to create room, give allowance for their tricks, their manipulation of election results,” he explained.
He emphasised that mandating electronic transmission of results would lead to a shift in political conduct.
“So let it be put in the law that it is mandatory. What that will do is that first it will inform the politicians that their usual game has changed,” Barnabas stated.
Expressing concern about potential misuse, he added: “If you allow that discretion in the administration and management of election results, what will happen is that exception will become the norm. Politicians will ensure they will give the excuse of network, including Abuja and Lagos.”
The current push for electoral reform, he noted, is linked to the controversies that emerged during the 2023 general elections.
“Remember, the 2023 results showed that there were lots of manipulations. Results were altered, mutilated, you know, in favor of certain political parties or individuals,” he recalled.
Barnabas asserted that real-time electronic transmission of results is crucial for closing the gaps that were exploited in past elections.
“Well, the real-time, you know, transmission of results, each transmission of results will totally block the opportunity for manipulation of the results,” he said.
Barnabas maintained that electronic transmission should not only be made compulsory but should also be given priority over results compiled manually.
“So let us allow the results to be compulsorily, mandatorily transmitted electronically.”
“Secondly, I want a situation where it is clearly stated that the electronically transmitted result takes precedence over other forms of result that will be collated,” he added.
Beyond the transmission process, he also raised concerns regarding the overall conduct of democratic institutions.
“It’s unfortunate that the democratic institutions in our country have been the problem with advancing democracy in this country,” Barnabas commented.
Regarding penalties for electoral offences, Barnabas advocated for more stringent sanctions to discourage electoral malpractice.
“I think that the punishment should be harsher than what they currently have,” he suggested.
Clarifying a previous statement, he stated: “I wasn’t saying it should be capital punishment. I was only saying that there needs to be, you know, deterrence.”
He proposed more severe consequences, such as extended periods of disqualification from holding public office.
“So I’m not saying that it should be capital punishment, but we should look at things like maybe, you know, stopping the person, the sponsors from holding political offices, you know, 20-year jail term for those who engage in election fraud,” Barnabas elaborated.
Barnabas concluded by urging the National Assembly to adopt the version of the amendment passed by the House of Representatives and to reinforce the legal framework designed to protect electoral credibility.
“The National Assembly must now act by, one, ensuring that there is electronic transmission of results, that it is mandatory and it should be done. Secondly, that the result that is electronically transmitted will take precedence over any other form of results, and that those who ensure, I mean, who try to undermine our democracy, those who engage in election frauds are sanctioned, and that the sanctions must ensure deterrence,” he stated.
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