In February 2026, the Nigerian Senate rejected the proposal seeking to make real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ReV portal mandatory.
*The key reasons cited for the rejection include* :
1. *Poor Network Coverage:*
Large parts of Nigeria, particularly rural and remote areas, experience weak or unstable internet connectivity, making real-time transmission challenging.
2. *Cybersecurity Risks:*
Concerns were raised that mandatory real-time uploads could expose the system to hacking, interception, and data tampering.
3. *Infrastructure Deficiencies:*
Challenges such as unreliable electricity supply and limited technological capacity at polling units could increase the risk of technical failures.
4. *Risk of Legal Disputes:*
Transmission failures due to network or technical issues could potentially result in prolonged legal challenges regarding election validity.
Consequently, the Senate retained the existing provision allowing INEC to transmit election results “in a manner prescribed by the Commission” rather than enforcing mandatory real-time electronic transmission.
*Position of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE)*
The Nigerian Society of Engineers notes that the reasons cited above do not reflect the position of technically proficient professional organisations such as the NSE. From an engineering and technological standpoint, electronic transmission of election results offers several advantages capable of enhancing the integrity, efficiency, and credibility the electoral process in Nigeria.
*Technical Advantages of Electronic Transmission*
1. *Reduced Risk of Manipulation*
Manual transmission relies on physical transportation of result sheets, which is susceptible to loss, tampering, or alteration during transit. Electronic systems provide secure mechanisms such as end-to-end encryption and digital signatures to maintain data integrity and minimize human interference.
2. *Faster Collation and Announcement*
Real-time digital uploads enable automated aggregation of results, reducing declaration timelines from days to hours. Modern technologies, including cellular 4G/5G networks and satellite communication in remote areas, help overcome logistical challenges across Nigeria’s terrain.
3. *Improved Accuracy and Auditability*
Digital record-keeping reduces transcription errors common in manual processes. Technologies such as blockchain or timestamped digital ledgers provide immutable audit trails, allowing transparent verification through dashboards and Application Programming Interfaces (APIs).
4. *Cost Efficiency and Scalability*
Although initial setup costs may be significant, long-term savings arise from reduced printing, transportation and manual handling requirements. Scalable cloud-based systems can efficiently manage over 176,000 polling units, with redundancy measures such as offline data caching for areas with limited connectivity.
*Conclusion and Declaration*
The Nigerian Society of Engineers believes that adopting real-time electronic transmission of election results—consistent with successful implementations in countries such as Estonia and India, can strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process while working within INEC’s existing technological framework.
Therefore, the Nigerian Society of Engineers hereby declares its full support for the real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Signed:
Engr. Ali Alimasyua Rabiu, FNSE, FASCE, FNIM
President
The Nigerian Society of Engineers
