…asks donor countries to ensure (BVAS) and 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 and 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.