Majority of Lawmakers May Not Return Over E-Transmission Clause – Igini
By Erewunmi Peace
A former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mike Igini, has warned that a majority of federal lawmakers may struggle to return to the National Assembly in 2027 if the mandatory electronic transmission clause is removed from the Electoral Act.
Igini made this statement amid ongoing debates at the National Assembly over proposed amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, particularly regarding the real-time electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
According to him, weakening or removing the mandatory e-transmission provision could undermine electoral transparency and credibility. He argued that lawmakers who support such changes risk facing voter backlash in the next general elections.
The electronic transmission of results was introduced to enhance transparency, reduce manipulation, and improve public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. However, some lawmakers have reportedly raised concerns about technological limitations and network challenges in certain parts of the country.
Igini emphasized that strengthening, rather than weakening, electoral reforms would protect both the integrity of elections and the political future of legislators.
The debate over the e-transmission clause continues as stakeholders closely monitor developments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
