Judiciary Lagging Behind INEC’s Technological Advances, Says Abaribe

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has raised concerns over the apparent disconnect between Nigeria’s judiciary and the technological innovations recently adopted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Speaking at a review of INEC’s electoral technology innovations from 2015 to 2025, organised by the Anthena Centre in Abuja on Monday, Abaribe said the problem with the nation’s electoral system lies not in the technology itself but in the interpretation of electoral laws by the courts.

“I don’t think anyone is opposed to innovations that enhance the electoral process. Certainly, not Enyinnaya Abaribe,” he said, noting that he personally benefited from INEC’s new direct transmission of results process.

The senator lamented that INEC guidelines, which are *meant to complement electoral laws, are often disregarded by the judiciary.*

“That is why, when INEC guidelines are challenged in court, they are not upheld. Yet, these guidelines are meant to form part of the law. The law empowers INEC to implement these measures, and they should be recognised as such in judicial interpretation,” Abaribe explained.

He added, “Courts often reject these guidelines, which forces us to revisit and question innovations that should otherwise proceed smoothly. The issue is not with the technology but with the slow adaptation of our judicial processes.”

Abaribe called for the judiciary to align more closely with technological advancements to ensure that electoral innovations achieve their intended purpose.