Obidient Movement Faults Akpabio’s Claim on Network Gaps, Insists E-Transmission of Results Feasible

The Obidient Movement has dismissed as false the claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that nine states in Nigeria lack sufficient mobile network coverage to support electronic transmission of election results.

National Coordinator of the movement, Yunusa Tanko, described the assertion as misleading, arguing that the country already relies heavily on digital networks for financial transactions and other critical services.

Speaking during a phone-in programme on Nigeria Info FM 99.3, Tanko maintained that if electronic banking systems function effectively across the country, transmitting election results electronically should not pose a challenge.

He said it was contradictory for authorities to cite poor network coverage as a barrier to e-transmission while banks and other digital platforms continue to operate nationwide without similar complaints.

Tanko also drew comparisons with India, noting that despite its larger population and wider geographical spread, the country is able to conclude and announce election results within a day. He stressed that Nigeria could achieve the same with the right political will and infrastructure commitment.

According to him, ensuring nationwide network coverage requires deliberate government action and clear directives to relevant agencies and service providers.

His remarks add to the growing public debate over the use of electronic transmission in Nigeria’s electoral process, with several political stakeholders expressing divergent views on its readiness and reliability.