Nigeria’s telecoms ready for real-time election results

Nigeria’s telecoms network can support the electronic transmission of election results, INEC confirms, as 2027 elections approach

Nigeria’s telecommunications network is fully capable of supporting the electronic transmission of election results in real time, major operators and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have confirmed, following technical assessments across the country.

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INEC stated that 93 per cent of polling units are already covered by mobile networks, based on a joint evaluation with the Nigerian Communications Commission and major telecom operators.

While the transmission of results remains largely paper-based, the commission has maintained that the infrastructure exists to implement electronic collation securely and efficiently.

In a 2021 position paper, signed by former INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, the commission affirmed that electronic transmission is “desirable and doable,” highlighting its benefits in promoting trust, efficiency, and election transparency.

INEC also clarified that electronic transmission differs from internet voting or electronic balloting, emphasising that the system would focus on collation of polling unit results to determine outcomes.

Major operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Glo, and 9Mobile confirmed that network coverage and bandwidth are sufficient for nationwide deployment.

Operators noted that in areas with weak GSM coverage, satellite technology could be used to ensure continuous connectivity, allowing devices like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to transmit results effectively.

Telecom executives stressed that no special government intervention is required to enable real-time electronic transmission, arguing that existing infrastructure and technologies—including GSM, satellite, and hybrid systems—are sufficient to support nationwide deployment.

The commission and telecom operators also countered concerns about 2G network limitations, explaining that even areas with only 2G coverage were evaluated and deemed capable of transmitting election data securely.

INEC emphasised that prior challenges with Smart Card Readers are unrelated, as these devices are not connected to networks for result transmission.

The renewed discussion comes ahead of the 2027 general elections, following the signing of the Electoral Act 2026 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on February 18.

While the law allows the use of digital tools and online portals, it does not mandate electronic transmission, leaving the decision on deployment to INEC.

Physical result sheets (Form EC8A) remain legally binding where technology fails, maintaining a hybrid system.

INEC’s position paper cites successful tests using the IReV portal in previous elections, including Edo and Ondo governorships and several by-elections, demonstrating secure, real-time transmission across densely populated, remote, and conflict-affected areas.

Telecom operators suggested a tiered deployment approach: regions with robust coverage can rely on standard mobile networks, while remote areas would use hybrid GSM-satellite devices to ensure complete nationwide connectivity.

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With over 84 local government areas, 925 wards, and nearly 14,300 polling units already covered in prior tests, INEC and industry stakeholders concluded that Nigeria’s network infrastructure is technically prepared for the electronic transmission of election results for the 2027 polls.

Quadri Olaitan