Former INEC chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, has called for urgent electoral reforms, stressing that electronic transmission of results must become a legal requirement to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
Speaking on Thursday, June 12, during The Platform’s special Democracy Day edition hosted by the Covenant Nation in Iganmu, Lagos, Jega said adopting more technology in elections is crucial for transparency and accountability.
“There is a need for an increase in the use of technology for elections for transparency and accountability,” he said.
Jega, who served as chairman of Nigeria’s electoral body from 2010 to 2015, believes the Electoral Act still falls short. He pushed for clearer legal backing that would make electronic result transmission mandatory.
“For example, there is also the need to improve upon the provisions of the Electoral Act 2003 to make electronic transmission of results mandatory,” he said.
He stressed that trust in electoral systems remains low among Nigerians, particularly when it comes to technology.
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“It is very important that there is a transparent process of civil engagement in testing this equipment before they are deployed,” Jega noted.
His comments come in the aftermath of Nigeria’s disputed 2023 presidential election, where the electronic transmission of results was a major point of contention.
Although the Supreme Court later ruled that INEC has the freedom to decide how results are transmitted, the debate over credibility has persisted.
Jega also used the platform to propose another bold reform: introducing part-time legislators at both the national and state levels to reduce governance costs.
According to him, Nigeria needs part-time legislators and a smaller number of elected officials to ease pressure on public finances.
His remarks were delivered before a distinguished audience, including current and former governors, ex-ministers, and political leaders gathered to mark June 12, Nigeria’s Democracy Day.