LAGOS — Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results and the adoption of a part-time legislature as part of broader reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on Wednesday at the June 12 edition of The Platform, a civic engagement event organised by Covenant Nation in the Iganmu area of Lagos, Jega stressed the need for enhanced electoral transparency through the use of technology. The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including serving and former governors, ex-ministers, and other stakeholders.
“There is a need for an increase in the use of technology in elections to ensure transparency and accountability,” Jega said. “For instance, the Electoral Act should be improved to make electronic transmission of results mandatory.”
He noted that public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process remains low, especially regarding the deployment of new technologies. To address this, he recommended a transparent and inclusive testing process prior to the deployment of electoral equipment.
“It is very important that there is a transparent process of civil engagement in testing this equipment before they are deployed,” he added.
Jega also called for the removal of any ambiguity in the Electoral Act regarding electronic result transmission. His comments come in the aftermath of the controversial 2023 general elections, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner of the presidential race. The outcome was legally contested by opposition candidates, with the electronic transmission of results forming a major point of contention. However, the Supreme Court ruled that INEC retains the discretion to determine the method of result transmission.
In addition to electoral reform, Jega proposed significant changes to Nigeria’s legislative structure. He advocated for a part-time legislature at both the federal and state levels as a cost-saving measure and a means to improve governance.
“Nigeria needs part-time legislators and a reduction in the number of elected representatives in order to reduce pressure on public finances,” he said.
Jega’s recommendations have sparked renewed conversations about political reform, transparency, and the cost of governance in Africa’s largest democracy.LAGOS — Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Jega, has called for mandatory electronic transmission of election results and the adoption of a part-time legislature as part of broader reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Speaking on Wednesday at the June 12 edition of The Platform, a civic engagement event organised by Covenant Nation in the Iganmu area of Lagos, Jega stressed the need for enhanced electoral transparency through the use of technology. The event was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including serving and former governors, ex-ministers, and other stakeholders.
“There is a need for an increase in the use of technology in elections to ensure transparency and accountability,” Jega said. “For instance, the Electoral Act should be improved to make electronic transmission of results mandatory.”
He noted that public trust in Nigeria’s electoral process remains low, especially regarding the deployment of new technologies. To address this, he recommended a transparent and inclusive testing process prior to the deployment of electoral equipment.
“It is very important that there is a transparent process of civil engagement in testing this equipment before they are deployed,” he added.
Jega also called for the removal of any ambiguity in the Electoral Act regarding electronic result transmission. His comments come in the aftermath of the controversial 2023 general elections, which saw Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) declared the winner of the presidential race. The outcome was legally contested by opposition candidates, with the electronic transmission of results forming a major point of contention. However, the Supreme Court ruled that INEC retains the discretion to determine the method of result transmission.
In addition to electoral reform, Jega proposed significant changes to Nigeria’s legislative structure. He advocated for a part-time legislature at both the federal and state levels as a cost-saving measure and a means to improve governance.
“Nigeria needs part-time legislators and a reduction in the number of elected representatives in order to reduce pressure on public finances,” he said.
Jega’s recommendations have sparked renewed conversations about political reform, transparency, and the cost of governance in Africa’s largest democracy.
