Akpabio Defends Senate Stance on Electronic Transmission, Says No Network in 9 States

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has defended the Senate’s stance on the electronic transmission of election results, citing severe infrastructure deficits. 

He revealed that current data shows at least nine states in Nigeria lack the necessary network coverage to support a mandatory electronic system. This technical gap remains a primary barrier to implementing a fully digital voting framework.

The Senate President argued that any constitutional amendment must reflect the country’s physical and technological realities.

He maintained that forcing electronic transmission in regions with no internet would effectively disenfranchise millions of voters. The goal is to ensure a legal framework that is practically applicable to every citizen, regardless of their location.

Akpabio clarified that the Senate is not rejecting technology but is instead prioritizing inclusivity.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cannot be compelled to perform tasks that the national infrastructure does not yet support. Until 100% network integrity is achieved nationwide, a hybrid approach is considered the most secure path for democracy.

Addressing public concerns over transparency, Akpabio assured Nigerians that the current system still contains multiple layers of verification. He stressed that the Senate’s decision was based on empirical evidence provided by communications experts regarding connectivity.

The caution is intended to protect the legal sanctity of the ballot in remote areas.

The ongoing debate over the Electoral Act highlights the struggle to balance digital innovation with rural development. Lawmakers are under pressure to modernize the process while acknowledging that many parts of the country remain “offline.”

The Senate maintains that a “one-size-fits-all” digital mandate is premature given the current state of the national grid.

Akpabio concluded by emphasizing that the legislature must protect every vote from being lost to technical failures. He insisted that the Senate would continue to support INEC’s gradual adoption of technology as infrastructure improves. The current decision serves as a safeguard against a systemic failure that could lead to widespread electoral disputes.

Justifying the legislative caution, Akpabio stated,“We cannot legislate in a vacuum; we must consider the reality on the ground where nine states still struggle with total lack of network. Our decision is to ensure that no Nigerian is left behind simply because they live in a place where technology has not yet reached.”