Nigeria Prepared for Real-Time Election Results Transmission

Shehu Mahdi, a public affairs analyst, declared that Nigeria is fully prepared to adopt real-time transmission of election results during a television interview on Friday. He discussed the ongoing national debate regarding electronic transmission of results and highlighted a recent Senate amendment to Section 60 of the Electoral Act, which permits the President's office at polling units to transmit results electronically via the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) results viewing portal (IREV).

Mahdi insisted that Nigeria possesses the necessary manpower, funding, and digital infrastructure to implement live transmission of results without delay. He cautioned that continued hesitance could damage the nation's democratic image and weaken public trust in the electoral process.

Mahdi further argued that delays in transmitting results send the wrong signal to the international community, potentially harming Nigeria's democratic credibility. He noted that the federal executive council and the national assembly have already conducted meetings online, indicating the country's readiness for digital platforms.