By Abba Dukawa, Abuja
Following mounting public pressure, the National Assembly amended Section 60 of the Electoral Act, allowing presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit results to INEC’s Results Viewing Portal (IREV) where technology permits. While the law now permits electronic transmission, the retention of manually signed Form EC8A as a fallback in case of “technical failure” leaves a loophole that many Nigerians consider unacceptable.
Before this amendment, the Senate had upheld restrictive provisions of the 2023 Electoral Act, limiting electronic transmission and casting doubt on its commitment to transparency. Even after conceding to public pressure, further concerns emerged.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already set the stage for the 2027 general elections. Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for February 20, 2027, while Governorship and State Assembly elections will hold on March 6, 2027. Observers have expressed concern over the timing, as it coincides with Ramadan, which could affect voter participation. INEC has hinted at possible adjustments and urged all stakeholders to support a peaceful electoral process.
However, a statement by INEC Chairman, Prof. Amupitan, has raised alarm: the Commission cannot guarantee real-time electronic transmission because it does not control the nation’s telecommunications network. “We do not even have a network of our own,” he admitted. For an institution constitutionally mandated to safeguard electoral integrity, this is deeply troubling and risks undermining public confidence.
Why is the Commission not exploring alternatives such as Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service capable of delivering high-speed connectivity even in remote areas? In a country plagued by network failures, such solutions are not luxuries—they are necessary for credible elections.
The Chairman’s admission echoes the concerns of political actors, civil society groups, and non-partisan stakeholders about his suitability to lead INEC at this critical juncture. Leadership of the body tasked with safeguarding democracy demands innovation, foresight, and commitment—not public acknowledgment of systemic incapacity.
This concern is compounded by the projected cost of the 2027 elections, expected to be the most expensive in Nigeria’s history. INEC’s 2026 budget allocation stands at ₦1.013 trillion, prompting Nigerians to demand value for money. Every naira spent should enhance transparency, credibility, and efficiency at the polls.
At this point, Nigerians deserve elections that are free, fair, and transparent. Section 60(3) of the Electoral Act is not the core issue—the real challenge is our repeated failure to elect leaders capable of protecting the nation’s future. No legal amendment alone can safeguard democracy without competent leadership and civic vigilance.
Security and economic challenges further underscore the stakes. Bandits, kidnappers, and terrorists continue to terrorize communities, destroying lives and livelihoods. Citizens wake each day anxious for their safety; parents fear for their children, and farmers and traders operate under constant threat.
Economically, the nation remains fragile. Poor electoral choices and weak accountability have left public finances overstretched. As of June 30, 2025, public debt stood at ₦152.39 trillion ($369 billion), with projections surpassing ₦160 trillion before year-end. In 2026, ₦15.52 trillion—26.7% of the ₦58.18 trillion national budget—is allocated to debt servicing. Every naira spent on interest is a naira not invested in roads, schools, hospitals, or job creation.
Inflation, insecurity, and economic stagnation are felt in every household, from empty stomachs to sleepless nights. Nigerians must therefore vote based on competence, integrity, and vision, not fleeting popularity or recycled promises. Every vote for short-term gain is theft from the nation’s future.
The responsibility rests squarely on citizens. True change comes from deliberate, informed choices at the ballot box. 2027 cannot repeat past mistakes—it must mark a turning point. Nigerians deserve leaders motivated by national progress, integrity, and foresight—not personal ambition.
Even before INEC releases the official timetable, political maneuvering has begun: campaigns unofficially started, propaganda is intensifying, alliances are shifting, and familiar promises dominate the airwaves. The pressing question remains: can Nigerians see through the noise and prioritize the nation’s future?
Dukawa writes from Abuja and can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com.