Professor Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has urged that the Electoral Act (2022) be amended to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory in future polls.
Speaking at the Platform Nigeria event, the June 12, 2025 edition organized by The Covenant Nation Global in Lagos, Jega presented a paper titled ‘Required reforms for stronger democratic institutions in Nigeria’.
He emphasized the need to expand the use of technology in elections to boost transparency and accountability.
He referenced the controversies surrounding electronic result transmission during the 2023 general elections, which led to widespread doubt about the presidential election outcome.
Specifically, Jega noted the need to clarify the unclear provisions on electronic transmission.
“For example, remove ambiguity in Section 64 of Electoral Act 2022, in respect of the stages for comparing physical and electronic results.”
“Review appointment process for INEC Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners, remove or minimise executive/presidential influence, so as to further strengthen the independence of the electoral commission,” he said.
Regarding the frequent defections within Nigeria’s political scene, Jega recommended banning cross-carpeting for elected executives and legislators.
He further advocated for empowering INEC at the federal level and State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) at the state level to promptly prepare and conduct by-elections whenever defections occur.
Jega also suggested introducing diaspora voting for eligible Nigerians abroad during presidential elections, along with strict regulation of campaign finances.
This would include establishing an agency to monitor campaign funds and enforce penalties.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s democratic journey, Jega expressed concern over the risk of sliding back into authoritarianism.
He explained, “One of the main challenges Nigeria faces relates to how to prevent reversal to authoritarian rule, ‘in the context of epileptic democratisation, since 1999, when we commenced transition from authoritarian military rule to civil democratic rule.’”
He added, “The governance trajectory we seem to have taken has restrained our country from making serious progress from mere rule by civilians to desirable democratic rule and good democratic governance.”
Jega concluded with a stark warning, “It is regrettable that after such a long time in transition to democratic rule, rather than democratic consolidation, authoritarian reversal is hanging over the country like the sword of Damocles!”
