2027: Ensure electronic collation, transmission of results to safeguard democracy - Group of lawmakers, ex-Reps urges INEC ~ Truth Reporters

...asks donor countries to ensure (BVAS), Smart Card Readers are used in all polling units

A group under the aegis of House to the Rescue (HTR), a coalition of reform-minded legislators and former members of the House of Representatives, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to ensure that collation, transmission of results must be done electronically to safeguard democracy in 2027. 

This was contained in a statement jointly issued and signed by the coordinators in various geo-political zones: Hon. Muhammed Musa Soba - North West

Hon. Zakari Mohammed - North Central Hon. Olasupo Abiodun - South West, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim - North East, Hon. Uko Nkole- South East, Hon. Bassey Eko Ewa - South South, stating that:

"In the interest of safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and ensuring the integrity of electoral

outcomes, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to mandate

the real-time electronic collation and transmission of results from the ward level directly to

the central server during all future elections.

"The adoption and consistent implementation of real-time electronic result transmission is no

longer optional, it is an essential measure to enhance transparency, reduce human

interference, and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.

" Real-time digital

collation ensures that every vote counts, that results are traceable, and that manipulation at

collation centres is eliminated.

We also urge international donor agencies and development partners who have invested

substantial resources in Nigeria's electoral system to insist on the transparent, nationwide

use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and smart card readers in all polling

units. 

"These technologies, funded and supported by the international community, must be

effectively utilized to ensure value for money and to uphold the credibility of elections.

"Furthermore, we call on the National Assembly to strengthen the Electoral Act by explicitly

discouraging manual voting, manual result collation, and computation throughout the

electoral process.

" The law must reflect the realities of a modern electoral system that

prioritizes accuracy, efficiency, and public trust.

"The future of Nigeria's democracy depends on credible elections. INEC must rise to the

occasion by fully embracing technological transparency and ensuring that every aspect of

result management is open, verifiable, and accountable to the people.

"The platform is dedicated to

fostering a united, credible, and principled opposition that speaks with one voice on

issues of national importance.

In the collective interest of safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and restoring public

The group maintained that the adoption and consistent implementation of electronic

result transmission is no longer optional, it is a national necessity.

" This measure will

enhance transparency, eliminate human interference, and guarantee that every vote cast

is accurately recorded and reflected in the final outcomes.

"By fully utilizing digital collation systems, INEC will ensure that results are verifiable,

traceable, and beyond manipulation at collation centres. This is vital for strengthening

democratic accountability and restoring citizens' trust in electoral institutions.

"The HTR Platform further calls on international development partners and donor

agencies, who have invested significant resources in Nigeria's electoral system, to insist

on full nationwide deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and

Smart Card Readers in all polling units. 

"These technologies, procured and supported by

the international community, must deliver the transparency and efficiency for which they

were designed.

In addition, the group urges the National Assembly to urgently review and amend the

Electoral Act to explicitly discourage manual voting, collation, and computation

throughout the electoral process.

" A credible democracy must reflect the realities of the

digital age-one that values accuracy, efficiency, and public trust above political

convenience.

The HTR Platform reiterates that the future of Nigeria's democracy depends on credible,

transparent, and verifiable elections.

 INEC must therefore rise to its constitutional

responsibility by fully embracing technological transparency and ensuring that the

sanctity of every vote is protected.