The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, has assured Nigerians that the commission has the capacity to electronically transmit election results in 2027, but cautioned that a “100 per cent perfect election” cannot be guaranteed.
Amupitan gave the assurance during the Citizens’ Town Hall programme focused on the Electoral Act 2026 and preparations for the 2027 general elections.
‘Perfection Is Unrealistic’
Appealing to Nigerians to temper expectations, the INEC chairman stressed that while the commission is committed to delivering credible polls, absolute perfection remains difficult.
“Let me just appeal to Nigerians, because I have noticed now that what Nigerians desire is a perfect election. And INEC will strive as much as possible to give this country the best election.
“However, we may not be able to achieve a 100 per cent perfect election for now. But as far as electronic transmission of results is concerned, I said it before the FCT Area Council that we have the capacity to transmit the results, and that we’re going to transmit the results. The only concern was real-time,” he said.
He described elections as the lifeblood of democracy and emphasised the importance of voter education, transparency and collaboration with civil society organisations.
Electronic Transmission And Network Challenges
Addressing concerns that trailed the 2023 elections, Amupitan disclosed that INEC pushed for mandatory electronic transmission of results during deliberations on the Electoral Act 2026.
He noted, however, that defining “real-time” transmission proved contentious.
Citing the recent Federal Capital Territory Area Council elections, he explained how difficult terrain and limited network coverage affected the timely transmission of results from Kabi ward in Kuje Area Council.
According to him, polling officials and security personnel deployed to the ward were unreachable for hours due to poor connectivity, and results were eventually collated the following day.
“I don’t see the issue of transmission as really a problem. I don’t see it as an issue because, from my little experience, over four months now in INEC, the problem is not even the network.
“The problem I have seen is the adequacy of the network we have,” he said.
Logistics Remain Critical
The INEC chairman underscored the importance of logistics in the success of any election, warning that operational shortcomings can undermine credibility.
“So, talking about logistics, I’ve said it often that your election can be as good as your logistics. So, where there is logistics failure, you know that you are beginning to fail,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the FCT poll experienced some logistical and human errors, he said corrective measures were already underway.
Optimism For 2027
Despite the challenges, Amupitan expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would mark a significant improvement, citing heightened voter awareness and stronger public demand for accountability.
“But I want to assure you that the election of 2027 will be the best election that Nigerians will have because Nigerians of 2023 are different from what you have in 2027. People are much more aware.
“So, by the time you have a transparent election, and people begin to trust INEC and trust their leaders, then the country will move forward,” he added.
His remarks come as INEC continues preparations for the next electoral cycle, with growing public scrutiny over transparency, logistics and the integrity of electronic result transmission.
