The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has raised serious concerns over the National Assembly’s decision to retain Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act 2022, describing the Senate’s rejection of compulsory electronic transmission of election results as a setback to Nigeria’s digital leadership aspirations.
Speaking as the umbrella body for information technology professionals in the country, the NCS argued that the legislative choice opens a critical loophole capable of weakening the transparency and technological integrity of the electoral process. According to the Society, the absence of a clear legal mandate for electronic transmission undermines public confidence in election outcomes.
The NCS stressed that real-time electronic transmission of results is fundamental to Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda and democratic consolidation. It noted that digital transformation has moved beyond choice and is now a necessity for elections to be credible, verifiable, and trusted by citizens.
NCS outlines technical solutions, urges legal backing for e-transmission
Addressing common concerns around infrastructure limitations and security risks, the Society outlined practical solutions to ensure seamless implementation. On connectivity, it proposed a hybrid system that enables real-time transmission in areas with network coverage, while deploying encrypted “store-and-forward” mechanisms with timestamping in remote locations.
On data security, the NCS explained that electoral integrity can be safeguarded through end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, device authentication, and the use of immutable audit logs. These measures, it said, would significantly reduce the risk of tampering and unauthorized access to election data.
In terms of capacity building, the Society recommended phased pilot programmes and standardized training initiatives, leveraging NCS-certified professionals to address skills gaps among ad-hoc electoral staff.
The NCS further warned that continued dependence on manual collation heightens the risk of human error and manipulation of results during transit. It added that insufficient technological adoption fuels public suspicion, increases disputes, and often results in expensive and prolonged post-election litigation.
“Technology must not merely be deployed; it must be trusted, protected, and legally empowered,” said Prof. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu, President of the NCS.
The Society has therefore called on the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that mandatory electronic transmission of election results is explicitly included in the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act.
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