Politics
Electronic Transmission and the Myth of a Silver Bullet
Nigeria electronic transmission can enhance transparency, but experts warn political ethics and enforcement remain crucial for credible elections
Nigeria is once again locked in a familiar debate: whether the credibility of our elections
depends on the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results to the INEC Result
Viewing (IREV) portal.
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The recent decision by the Senate not to approve such transmission has triggered outrage in some quarters, with technology being presented as the ultimate antidote to electoral malpractice.
This narrative, though well-intentioned, oversimplifies a far more complex reality.
Electronic transmission of results is not, and has never been, a silver bullet against rigging.
Our electoral process remains fundamentally manual.
Results are still recorded by human beings on Form EC8A at polling units before any electronic upload takes place. Where those forms are compromised, altered, or deliberately falsified, electronic transmission merely
accelerates the spread of a flawed outcome.
Recent electoral experiences illustrate this clearly. In the Edo governorship election, results
were uploaded to the IREV portal as required.
Yet public outcry followed, with allegations that several uploaded forms bore signs of alterations and mutilations. Whether these claims are ultimately upheld by the courts is beside the point.
The episode underscores a basic truth: technology can only transmit what it is given. Garbage in, garbage out.
The real challenge confronting Nigeria’s elections is not the absence of technology, but the
persistence of a political culture in which some actors are determined to win at all costs.
As long as this mindset endures, every reform—manual or electronic—will be tested, stretched,
and occasionally subverted. Technology does not eliminate bad faith; it only changes its
expression.
This is why countries with credible elections focus not only on process, but on enforcement.
Severe penalties for electoral fraud, swift prosecution of offenders, institutional
independence, and professional integrity among electoral officials matter as much as, if not
more than, the tools deployed.
That said, dismissing electronic transmission altogether would be equally misguided. While it
cannot by itself guarantee credibility, mandatory electronic transmission does improve
transparency and public confidence.
More importantly, it removes a recurring source of post- election controversy. In a polity as polarized as Nigeria’s, perceptions often matter almost as much as outcomes. Where electronic transmission is absent, it becomes an easy scapegoat for electoral losses—regardless of the actual facts.
For this reason, there is a strong argument that the National Assembly should make electronic
transmission of results mandatory, not because it is foolproof, but because it closes an
avoidable credibility gap.
It fulfils a basic expectation of openness and aligns Nigeria with global best practices, while denying perennial litigants a convenient procedural excuse ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s democratic integrity will not be secured by software, portals, or real-
time uploads alone.
It will be secured when political actors accept that elections can be won and lost, when electoral officials act with courage and professionalism, and when violations attract real consequences.
As the country looks toward 2027, the task before us is not to search for perfect systems, but
to reduce avoidable weaknesses.
Mandatory electronic transmission should be adopted not as an act of blind faith in technology, but as a deliberate step to narrow the space for manipulation, suspicion, and post-election acrimony.
Electronic transmission should therefore be seen for what it is: a useful safeguard, not a magic wand.
Democracy thrives not on the illusion of flawless processes, but on the steady tightening of
safeguards and the strengthening of institutions.
Until Nigeria confronts the deeper issues of political ethics, accountability, and enforcement, every reform will remain incomplete—but refusing practical improvements only delays the progress we urgently need.
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The sooner we stop mistaking tools for values, the sooner our elections will truly begin to reflect the will of
the people.
Politics
ZAMFARA STANDS STILL AS GOV. LAWAL HOSTS FIRST LADY REMI TINUBU FOR MEGA RALLY AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received a rousing welcome from thousands of residents and supporters during her visit to Zamfara State.
On Tuesday, the Zamfara State Government hosted the APC North-West Women’s Mega Rally and Empowerment Programme at the Trade Fair Complex in Gusau.
The event, led by Zamfara First Lady Hajiya Huriyya Dauda Lawal, brought together former Zamfara governors, the First Ladies of the North-West, ministers and other key All Progressives Congress stakeholders.
Before the rally, Senator Tinubu met with the Zamfara State traditional rulers to seek their blessings.
In her remarks, Tinubu described her visit as a powerful expression of solidarity and compassion, as well as a commitment to women’s welfare and advancement, especially for those facing insecurity, poverty and limited economic opportunities.
She said, “This is the happiest day of my life. Except for Zamfara, I have been in all 36 states of Nigeria, including the FCT. I have always wanted to come to Zamfara, and today I have fulfilled that. Because it is now easy to come, this is just the beginning; I am coming back again. Mr President is also coming.
“Before I start, I want to commiserate with you all for all the lives that were lost; they are very precious to us. May God forgive them, grant them Al-Jannatul Firdaus, and continue to be with us.
“Today is Juma’at; we have to be fast; we have empowerment to give to women. This is the only party that empowers during the campaign, and it is not about the campaign; we have been empowering from day one. And that is why it is not politics.
“Earlier, I was also given a title in Zamfara, the ‘Jagaban Matan Arewa’ by the Chairman of the Zamfara State Council of Chiefs and Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad. I thanked all the Emirs.
“I love Zamfara. I am happy to be here. Mr President said I should tell you he will continue working for you. Nigeria will continue to prosper, in sha Allah.”
Earlier, Governor Dauda Lawal thanked Senator Tinubu for her continued support through the Renewed Hope Initiative, including its Food Outreach Programme.
“Your Excellency, Mother of the Nation, your presence today represents more than an official visit. You have set a record in the history of our dear Zamfara State.
“Your Excellency, Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in Zamfara State, we firmly believe that empowering women is not only our responsibility as a government; it is a needed and bankable investment in social and societal morality, economic prosperity, family stability, and sustainable peace.
“I assure Your Excellency that Zamfara’s government and people unwaveringly support Mr President’s second term. With the women here and the men supporting them, Zamfara and the North West will deliver for Mr President come January 2027.”
Politics
Governor Dauda Lawal Appoints 282 aides to strengthen inclusive governance in Zamfara State
The Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Dauda Lawal, has approved the appointment of 282 individuals as Senior Special Assistants.
The appointees include some Technical Assistants and Special Assistants who have been upgraded to Senior Special Assistants.
Announcing the approval, the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada said the appointments underscore Governor Lawal’s commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, strengthening grassroots engagement, broadening citizens’ involvement in government affairs, and enhancing effective communication of government policies, programmes, and achievements across the state.
The development further reinforces the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and people-centred development under the Rescue and Rebuild Agenda.
The appointees will assist the Governor in a wide range of roles, including Community Engagement, Grassroots Mobilization, matters relating to Persons with Disabilities, Media & Publicity, and other duties as may be assigned.
Governor Lawal charges the appointees to demonstrate dedication, loyalty, professionalism, and commitment to public service, while serving as effective bridges between government and the people, ensuring that diverse community voices are heard and reflected in governance.
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