The Digest:
The Senate has defended its decision to make electronic transmission of election results discretionary rather than mandatory, citing empirical data on Nigeria's communication and power infrastructure. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele clarified in a statement that Clause 60(3) of the Electoral Bill, 2026, which would have mandated real-time transmission, was reviewed based on stark realities after consultations with key sector actors. Bamidele cited NCC data showing only 70% broadband coverage and 44.53% internet penetration in 2025, and Speedtest Global Index ranking Nigeria 85th in mobile reliability and 129th in fixed broadband. He noted 85 million Nigerians lack grid electricity access. Bamidele argued mandatory real-time transmission could plunge the country into crisis, hence the caveat allowing manual collation where technology fails.
Key Points:
- The decision prioritises electoral feasibility over transparency aspirations, potentially affecting public trust.
- It acknowledges infrastructure gaps that could disenfranchise voters in poorly connected areas.
- Voters in underserved areas gain protection, while transparency advocates lose mandatory transmission guarantee.
- This signals legislative reliance on technical data over public emotion in electoral reform.
- The timing, with data cited, provides empirical justification for a contentious political decision.
The Senate's defence rests on infrastructure realities, arguing that a mandatory framework would risk electoral crisis given Nigeria's connectivity gaps.
Sources: Channels Television, Senate Statement, NCC, Speedtest Global Index
