INEC Has Funds to Make E-Transmission Seamless, Says Wey
Technology expert Ebenezar Wey has assured that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) possesses sufficient funds to ensure seamless electronic transmission of election results across Nigeria.
Speaking on the readiness of the commission ahead of the 2027 general elections, Wey emphasized that the real challenge is not financial or technical but political and logistical. He highlighted that INEC could leverage multiple technological solutions, including satellite broadband, Starlink, and wide-area networks, to guarantee fast and reliable results transmission. The commission already has the financial capacity to deploy robust e-transmission systems,” Wey stated, adding that alternative technologies beyond GSM networks are available and could be used to avoid delays or disruptions. The announcement comes amid ongoing debates in the National Assembly over the proposed amendments to the Electoral Act. While the Senate has raised concerns about Nigeria’s current infrastructure, arguing that the country is not fully ready for mandatory real-time electronic transmission from all polling units, the House of Representatives supports making real-time transmission compulsory. A planned joint meeting of lawmakers on electoral reforms recently stalled in Abuja, highlighting the widening disagreements between legislators. Civil society organizations and election reform advocates have also weighed in, urging the National Assembly to prioritize transparency and public trust in the electoral process. Former INEC officials and activists like Dr. Oby Ezekwesili argue that making real-time electronic transmission mandatory would strengthen the integrity of elections, while critics caution that insufficient infrastructure in rural areas could disenfranchise voters. INEC has submitted a budget request exceeding N1 trillion to cover preparations for upcoming elections, including technology deployment and logistics. With increasing broadband penetration and expanding telecommunications infrastructure nationwide, experts believe the country is increasingly capable of supporting electronic results transmission.
