The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission possesses the technical capacity to electronically transmit election results in the 2027 general elections, while cautioning that it may not be possible to guarantee what he described as a “100 per cent perfect election.”
Amupitan made the remarks during a nationally televised Citizens’ Town Hall programme focused on the Electoral Act 2026 and its implications for future elections. The event brought together political leaders, civil society representatives and public policy stakeholders to examine reforms introduced by the new law and assess preparations ahead of the next general polls.
The INEC chairman appealed to Nigerians to moderate their expectations, stressing that while the commission is committed to delivering credible, transparent and efficient elections, perfection remains an aspirational goal rather than an immediate certainty. According to him, the commission will strive to improve on past performances but must operate within practical realities, including logistical, technological and human constraints.
Addressing the highly debated issue of electronic transmission of results, Amupitan reiterated that the commission has the infrastructure and competence required to transmit results electronically. He noted that INEC had long advocated for clear legal backing to make transmission mandatory and played an active role in shaping provisions of the Electoral Act 2026. However, he acknowledged that defining and achieving “real-time” transmission remains a technical and operational challenge, particularly in remote areas with weak network coverage.
He explained that elections are logistically complex exercises, often conducted across difficult terrains and under varying environmental conditions. Drawing from recent electoral experiences, he cited challenges encountered in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, where poor road access and limited telecommunications coverage delayed the collation and transmission of results from certain wards. In one instance, election officials deployed to a remote ward were unreachable for several hours due to poor connectivity, and results had to be physically transported before collation could be completed.
According to him, such incidents underscore that the issue is not necessarily the absence of a network, but rather the adequacy and reliability of network infrastructure in specific locations. While results were successfully transmitted from most areas, he said isolated delays in hard-to-reach communities highlighted the need for improved telecommunications support and contingency planning.
Amupitan emphasized that election credibility is closely tied to logistics, noting that even the most robust legal framework can be undermined by operational lapses. He warned that failures in transportation, communication, materials deployment, or personnel coordination could erode public confidence, regardless of technological improvements. For that reason, he said the commission is intensifying efforts to strengthen its logistics architecture ahead of 2027.
He acknowledged that recent elections revealed certain logistical shortcomings, including instances of human error, but maintained that corrective measures are already underway. Training of personnel, improved coordination with security agencies, and enhanced voter education initiatives are among the steps being taken to address identified weaknesses.
Beyond technology and logistics, the INEC chairman stressed the central role of elections in sustaining democratic governance. He described the ballot as a powerful instrument of civic expression and urged greater voter education to combat misinformation and apathy. According to him, the quality of democratic outcomes depends not only on institutional efficiency but also on an informed and engaged electorate.
He highlighted the collaborative process that produced the Electoral Act 2026, noting that it emerged from years of consultation among lawmakers, civil society organisations and electoral experts. While much of the groundwork had been completed before he assumed office, he said the commission contributed additional recommendations aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and procedural clarity.
Despite acknowledging existing challenges, Amupitan expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would represent a marked improvement over previous polls. He attributed this confidence to growing public demand for accountability, advancements in electoral technology, and the commission’s commitment to continuous reform.
While reiterating that no electoral system is immune to imperfections, he assured Nigerians that INEC remains determined to deliver elections that reflect the will of the people, uphold the rule of law, and strengthen the country’s democratic institutions.
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