By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
As pressure mounts for electoral reforms ahead of future elections, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has strongly rejected claims that poor network coverage makes real-time electronic transmission of election results impossible in parts of Nigeria.
His comments come in response to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who recently suggested that nationwide real-time transmission may not be feasible due to insecurity and weak telecommunications infrastructure in some states.
Speaking at the launch of a book titled The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria, Akpabio argued that insisting on “real-time” transmission could create legal complications if networks fail during elections.
According to him, several states currently experience limited connectivity due to security challenges. He warned that if the law mandates real-time transmission and networks collapse — or even the national grid fails — the validity of election results could be questioned in court.
“Real-time transmission means that in over nine states where networks are not working because of insecurity, there will be no election results,” Akpabio said.
He added that the word “real-time” was deliberately avoided in discussions to prevent legal loopholes, leaving the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to determine the most suitable method of result transmission.
Obi: That Excuse No Longer Holds Water
Peter Obi, however, disagrees.
In a post shared on X after joining a peaceful protest at the National Assembly demanding urgent electoral reforms, the former Anambra State governor dismissed the network argument as outdated and unconvincing.
He pointed to Nigeria’s banking sector as proof that secure digital systems already operate efficiently nationwide.
“Claims that certain states lack network coverage are no longer acceptable,” Obi said.
“Financial institutions operate nationwide through secure digital networks to conduct transactions and collect taxes daily. If banking systems function seamlessly, our electoral system can and should do the same.”
For Obi, the issue is not technology but political will.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Beyond electronic transmission, Obi also outlined broader reforms he believes are necessary to restore credibility to Nigeria’s elections.
He argued that anyone seeking public office must meet strict standards of transparency and integrity. According to him, candidates should provide verifiable educational records and fully comply with constitutional requirements before contesting.
He also stressed the importance of open campaigns, public debates, and scrutiny of candidates.
“Anyone seeking to hold titles such as Honourable, Distinguished, or Excellency must emerge through a transparent and honourable process,” he said.
“Most importantly, election results must be transmitted electronically and in real time to protect the people’s mandate and eliminate manipulation.”
A Bigger Picture
Obi’s message taps into growing public frustration over election credibility in Nigeria. For many citizens, electronic transmission is seen as a crucial safeguard against tampering, delays, and result manipulation.
He urged young Nigerians to stay engaged and continue pushing for reform, insisting that credible elections are the foundation of good governance.
“Nigeria must stop being a so-called Giant of Africa that embarrasses the continent,” he said.
“We must become a beacon of exemplary governance, starting with credible elections.”
He concluded with a familiar message of hope and determination:
“A New Nigeria is possible — but only if we stand and act together.”
Final Thoughts
The debate highlights a deeper question: if banks, telecoms, and fintech companies can process millions of transactions daily across the country, why should elections be any different?
For many Nigerians, the answer is simple — technology exists. What remains is the commitment to use it.
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