The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has expressed concern over the Senate’s decision to reject the mandatory electronic transmission of election results, a move that resulted in the retention of Section 60(5) of the Electoral Act 2022.
In a statement issued by the professional body, the NCS said the provision has become widely viewed as a legislative loophole capable of undermining the credibility, transparency, and technological integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The NCS, Nigeria’s foremost professional body for computing and information technology practitioners, stated that it has a statutory responsibility to provide guidance on the application of digital technologies in national development, governance, and democratic processes.
According to the society, its position in support of real-time electronic transmission of election results aligns with global best practices, Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, and the growing capacity of indigenous ICT professionals and firms.
The body noted that technology, when properly governed, can enhance transparency, reduce human interference, and strengthen public confidence in electoral outcomes.
The NCS identified uneven network coverage in rural and remote areas as one of the concerns often raised against electronic transmission, but suggested a hybrid transmission approach involving real-time transmission where connectivity exists and encrypted store-and-forward systems with timestamping in areas with limited network access.
On cybersecurity and data integrity, the society acknowledged fears of hacking and result manipulation but said these risks could be mitigated through end-to-end encryption, digital signatures, device authentication, immutable audit logs, and independent system testing.
The professional body also pointed to capacity gaps among ad-hoc election officials, recommending early procurement of election technologies, rigorous system testing, phased pilot deployments, and standardized training programmes leveraging certified ICT professionals across the country.
On legal and procedural clarity, the NCS called for clear regulations and technical standards from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), supported by transparent public communication and stakeholder engagement.
The NCS warned that rejecting electronic transmission or maintaining restrictive interpretations of Section 60(5) could erode public trust in the electoral process, increase post-election disputes and litigation, and expose result collation to human error and manipulation.
It further noted that perceived electoral opacity could have economic and reputational consequences for Nigeria, including reduced investor confidence and a weakened digital leadership image.
The Nigeria Computer Society called on the National Assembly, INEC, and other stakeholders to reconsider the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of election results and offered its institutional expertise to support standards development, independent audits, capacity building, and continuous improvement of electoral technologies.
