The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has defended the inclusion of both manual and electronic transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act, saying the decision was taken to prevent voter disenfranchisement and deepen participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas said relying solely on real-time electronic transmission would exclude millions of Nigerians due to inadequate internet penetration and persistent power supply challenges across the country.
The Speaker spoke at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja when he hosted the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Felix Costales, during a courtesy visit over the weekend.
According to him, about 40 per cent of Nigeria’s territory remains underserved by internet coverage, making it impractical to adopt an exclusively electronic mode of transmitting election results.
“Even in advanced cities like Abuja, stable internet services are not guaranteed at all times,” Abbas said.
“If we insist on only electronic transmission, we risk disenfranchising a large segment of the electorate.”
He lamented what he described as alarming voter apathy, noting that only about 12 to 15 per cent of registered voters typically turn out during general elections.
“If we introduce only the electronic system under current conditions, the turnout could drop further, especially in areas without reliable connectivity,” he added.
Abbas maintained that the hybrid system would allow electronic transmission where feasible, while manual collation would apply in areas lacking adequate infrastructure.
“There is no way one form, particularly the electronic, can be used entirely in all parts of the country for now,” he said, stressing that the National Assembly acted in what it considered the best interest of Nigerians.
He also argued that critics of the amendment were aware of the infrastructural limitations but had chosen to politicise the issue.
Beyond connectivity concerns, the Speaker cited the nation’s energy crisis as another impediment to full electronic transmission.
“The internet is powered by electricity. How do you guarantee stable power supply nationwide on election day to support real-time transmission?” he queried.
On the credibility of the 2027 polls, Abbas expressed confidence in the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission, saying discussions with its chairman had convinced him that the next elections would be “more transparent, accommodating and inclusive.”
He described democracy as a work in progress, adding that Nigeria would continue to refine its electoral processes through gradual reforms and international collaboration.
Responding, Costales said Spain also adopts manual transmission of election results and assured Nigeria of his country’s support in strengthening democratic institutions.
He said Spain would closely monitor Nigeria’s electoral process and deepen parliamentary diplomacy between both countries.
“Elections are always polarising, but compromise is essential in any democracy,” the envoy said, noting that political divisions were also evident in European parliaments.
He added that Spain was open to offering technical support to enhance Nigeria’s legislative and electoral processes ahead of the 2027 polls.
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