Nigeria Ready for Real-Time Transmission of Election Results – Shehu Mahdi

A public affairs analyst, Shehu Mahdi, has declared that Nigeria is fully prepared to adopt real-time transmission of election results.

Mahdi made the statement during a television interview on Friday while discussing the national debate over electronic transmission of results.

He spoke shortly after the Senate amended Section 60 of the Electoral Act. The amendment permits presiding officers at polling units to transmit results electronically to the Results Viewing Portal (IREV) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

According to Mahdi, the country already has the capacity to implement the system without delay. He insisted that Nigeria possesses the required manpower, funding, and digital infrastructure to make live transmission of results possible.

Reacting to the Senate’s position, he said, “The Senate is toying with the future of Nigeria. We have the resources, manpower, financial capacity, and infrastructure to facilitate the live transmission of results. Enough of the pretence and breach of the law.”

He warned that continued hesitation could damage the nation’s democratic image and weaken public trust in the electoral process.

Mahdi further argued that the delay sends the wrong signal to Nigerians and the international community. He described the situation as harmful to democracy and national credibility.

He questioned the claim that Nigeria is not yet ready for electronic transmission. He pointed out that key government institutions already conduct official meetings online.

In his words, “If the Senate assumes that Nigeria is not ripe for live transmission of result, when is it going to be ripe? It is more than ripe considering the fact that the Federal Executive Council, the National assembly had been conducting their meetings and their sessions via zoom.”

Mahdi maintained that a country that relies on digital platforms for governance should not struggle with transmitting election results electronically.

He added, “A country where zoom is a means of communication is a country that is adequately prepared for live transmission of results. Nigeria is fully equipped for e-transmission of election results.”

The debate over electronic result transmission has continued to divide lawmakers and Nigerians. Many believe it will reduce rigging and improve transparency, while others raise concerns about network coverage and security.

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