By Inwalomhe Donald
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed the amended Electoral Act 2026 which allows the electronic transmission of election results and manual collation of results from polling units. With the signing of the new Electoral Act which amended Clause 60(3), permitting the presiding officer at each polling unit to transmit election results electronically after Form EC8A has been duly completed and signed. Under the approved clause, electronic transmission is allowed where the technology does not fail and is possible to use. However, in situations where electronic transmission fails or becomes impossible, the signed Form EC8A will serve as the primary source of election results.
The Edo 2024 governorship election dispute falls within the approved clause of electronic transmission and manual collation of results. Electronic transfer of results was part of approved INEC guidelines for Edo 2024 election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) printed three sets of result sheets with the same serial number during the 2024 Edo governorship election, an issue that became part of post-election litigation. After a legal challenge, the Supreme Court of Nigeria delivered judgment on the appeal.
The results from IReV sent from polling units during the Edo 2024 governorship election were compared with those collated from wards and local government collation centres during the tribunal proceedings. The Supreme Court judgment held that the appellant (PDP) failed to call relevant witnesses to demonstrate some of the evidence tendered in support of its case, especially relating to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). It also held that some of the proof of evidence which were tendered from the Bar were not sufficiently established to prove alleged non-compliance in 432 out of a total of 4,519 polling units in the state.
As at 2018, there was provision for infrastructure for electronic transmission of results. The argument of no network in 2027 elections has generated public debate and concern about the credibility of the process. The outcome of the 2027 elections will depend on how electronic transmission and manual collation are implemented in accordance with the law. The combination of electronic transmission and manual collation of election results has continued to generate discussions about Nigeria’s electoral system.
Manual collation of election results remains part of the electoral framework. In the Edo 2024 election, issues relating to result sheets with similar serial numbers were raised during legal proceedings. The manipulation of election results has been a recurring concern in Nigeria’s electoral history, particularly at collation centres.
From the Tribunal, Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court, Certified True Copies (CTCs) of election materials issued by INEC were tendered during proceedings. The collation and transmission of results of the Edo 2024 election have continued to generate debate among stakeholders. Edo 2024 election issues have contributed to discussions about preparations for the 2027 elections.
Reports showed that 98.58% (4,455 out of 4,519) of the polling unit results were uploaded by 8:40 am on Sunday. Other reports indicated 98.83% (4,466 out of 4,519) were uploaded by September 27, 2024. While a high percentage was uploaded to the IReV portal, as of September 27, 2024, several days after the election, only 5 out of the 18 local government areas (LGAs) had completely uploaded their results, leaving some units pending.
The Edo 2024 election unit results were collated manually, while the use of the election viewing portal (IReV) formed part of the broader discussion during the tribunal proceedings. During the Edo 2024 election, BVAS and IReV were central to arguments presented before the court. Nigerians continue to express interest in reforms that will strengthen confidence in the electoral system.
Manual collation of results and electronic transmission remain key components of Nigeria’s electoral process. Revelations and disputes from past elections have shown the importance of strict adherence to electoral laws and INEC guidelines. Voting and collation of results require transparency to ensure public confidence. Credible, free and fair elections can help consolidate democratic values, promote human rights and security. But disputed elections often lead to political tension and prolonged litigation.
The Certified True Copies (CTCs) of election materials issued by INEC were part of the evidence tendered during the tribunal proceedings. The time stamps and documentary materials were examined within the judicial process, and receipts for payments made to obtain CTCs were included as exhibits.
In 2027 elections, Nigerians will expect electoral institutions and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and strengthen democracy. The success of the 2027 elections will depend on transparency, accountability and strict compliance with electoral regulations.
Inwalomhe Donald writes via inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com
