Senator Natasha Urges Adoption of Real-Time Electronic Transmission Ahead of 2027 Elections

Kogi Central lawmaker, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has called for the urgent adoption of real-time electronic transmission of election results, warning that failure to implement the system would amount to a “lethal assault” on Nigeria’s democracy.

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan made her stance known on Thursday via her official Facebook page, saying, “I support the real-time electronic transmission of results. Failure of such steals a lethal assault to Nigeria’s democracy.”

Her statement comes in the wake of renewed national debate following the Senate’s rejection of a proposed amendment that would have made electronic transmission of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal mandatory. The amendment sought to compel presiding officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload results directly from polling units as votes are counted.

According to the lawmaker, real-time electronic transmission is no longer optional in a modern democracy. She argued that it is a critical safeguard against electoral manipulation, delays, and post-election disputes.

“Transparent and instantaneous transmission of results will significantly reduce electoral fraud, restore public confidence in the voting process, and strengthen the credibility of elections ahead of the 2027 general polls,” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan added.

Her advocacy adds momentum to calls from civil society groups, election monitors, and political stakeholders pushing for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.