Shehu Sani on E-Transmission and Fair Elections in Nigeria

Shehu Sani, a former Kaduna Central Senator, articulated his views on the limitations of electronic transmission of election results in guaranteeing free and fair elections in Nigeria. Speaking on Wednesday during an appearance on Sunrise Daily on Channels Television, Sani reacted to the recent amendments to the Electoral Act passed by the National Assembly, which approved electronic transmission of election results while retaining a manual collation backup system.

He warned that technology alone cannot eliminate electoral malpractice, stating that electronic transfer does not ensure 100% free and fair elections. Sani emphasized that the real issue lies not in the method of result transmission but in the intent behind managing the electoral process.

He noted that without genuine commitment to fair elections, loopholes will always be exploited. Furthermore, he highlighted that laws alone cannot prevent voter inducement and manipulation, citing the lack of manpower to monitor every community effectively.

Sani stressed that electoral reform must extend beyond technology to include political will and strong institutions.