The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Abbas Tajudeen, has explained that the decision by the National Assembly to retain both electronic and manual transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act was guided by the need to protect voters from exclusion and to curb apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to the Speaker, limiting the process strictly to electronic transmission would be impractical, given the current state of internet access across Nigeria. He made these remarks while receiving the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Ambassador Felix Costales, who paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja. Present at the meeting were the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wole Oke; and the Chairman of the Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu.
During the discussions, the Spanish envoy disclosed that Spain also uses manual transmission of election results, underscoring that even established democracies do not rely solely on electronic systems.
Addressing concerns surrounding the amended Electoral Act, Speaker Abbas said public debate on the issue has often exaggerated the situation. While some Nigerians advocate for exclusive real-time electronic transmission, he argued that the country’s technological infrastructure does not yet support such a move.
He pointed out that internet coverage in Nigeria remains uneven. Even in major cities such as Abuja, stable connectivity is not always guaranteed. Citing reports from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), he noted that roughly 40 percent of the country’s territory remains underserved in terms of internet access. In practical terms, this means a significant portion of the population could struggle to participate fully if voting processes depended entirely on online systems.
The Speaker further observed that voter turnout in Nigeria has been persistently low. Despite the current manual framework, only about 12 to 15 percent of registered voters typically cast their ballots during general elections. Introducing a purely electronic method, he warned, could worsen the situation by excluding communities without reliable internet access. Such an outcome would not only disenfranchise eligible voters but could also produce record-low participation in future elections.
To avoid these risks, the National Assembly opted for what he described as a hybrid approach. Under this arrangement, electronic transmission can be used where infrastructure permits, while manual transmission remains available in areas where connectivity is weak or unavailable. In his view, this balanced model is more realistic and inclusive, ensuring that no region is shut out of the democratic process due to technological limitations.
Speaker Abbas also addressed criticisms from opposition lawmakers who objected to the dual system. He maintained that those critics are fully aware of the infrastructural challenges facing the country. Beyond internet limitations, he highlighted Nigeria’s persistent electricity shortages. Reliable power supply is essential for sustaining electronic devices and internet connectivity on election day. Without stable electricity nationwide, he argued, a fully digital system would face serious operational difficulties.
He emphasized that transparency in elections depends not just on adopting technology, but on having dependable systems to support it. Until Nigeria resolves issues related to power and connectivity, he believes a cautious and flexible approach remains necessary.
Reflecting more broadly on Nigeria’s democratic journey, the Speaker described democracy as an evolving process. No nation, he said, achieves a flawless system overnight. Drawing parallels with older democracies, he noted that even countries widely regarded as stable went through periods of trial and adjustment before reaching their current state.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria will continue to strengthen its institutions over time. With sustained reforms and international collaboration, he believes the country can enhance the credibility and inclusiveness of its elections. He assured the Spanish delegation that, based on his discussions with the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the 2027 elections are expected to be more transparent and accommodating than previous ones.
Speaker Abbas revealed that he had met with the new INEC chairman and was briefed on planned reforms. If fully implemented, he said, these initiatives would mark meaningful progress for Nigeria’s electoral system.
In addition to electoral matters, the meeting also focused on deepening ties between Nigeria and Spain, particularly in the area of legislative diplomacy. The Speaker welcomed opportunities for collaboration between the two parliaments, especially in strengthening legislative drafting capacity and institutional competence. He expressed confidence that Nigeria could benefit from Spain’s experience and technical expertise.
For his part, Ambassador Costales said his visit was intended to reinforce bilateral relations and foster closer parliamentary cooperation. He acknowledged that the period leading up to elections is often intense and politically charged, not only in Nigeria but globally.
The Ambassador affirmed that Spain would closely observe Nigeria’s 2027 elections and offered support aimed at reinforcing democratic practices. He stressed that political polarization is not unique to Nigeria, noting similar trends in Spain, across Europe, and in the United States. In many democracies, he said, parliamentary debates can become sharply divided, and minority blocs often play influential roles.
However, he emphasized that successful governance ultimately depends on compromise and consensus-building. While political competition is inherent in democratic systems, progress requires lawmakers to find common ground after elections are concluded.
Ambassador Costales reiterated Spain’s readiness to assist Nigeria in any constructive way possible, particularly in areas that promote transparency and institutional development. He also expressed hope that parliamentary diplomacy between the two countries would grow stronger in the coming years.
The exchange between both leaders highlighted shared democratic challenges and aspirations. While debates over election reforms may continue, the central message from the Speaker was clear: electoral laws must reflect local realities. For Nigeria, adopting a flexible system that combines both manual and electronic transmission is, for now, a pragmatic step toward safeguarding voter participation and strengthening confidence in the democratic process.
