Electronic transmission of results refers to the process of sending polling-unit outcomes digitally to a central election database, rather than relying only on physical result sheets that must be transported manually.
When the phrase “real time” is used, it means those results are uploaded immediately after counting at the polling unit, allowing parties, observers and citizens to view them almost instantly.
Advocates say instant transmission can:
- Reduce manipulation during the movement of result sheets from polling units to collation centres.
- Increase transparency, because results become publicly visible within minutes.
- Build trust in elections, especially after years of disputes over altered figures.
- Speed up declaration of winners, limiting tension and speculation.
For many civil society groups, real-time transmission is seen as one of the strongest safeguards for credible elections ahead of 2027.
Those opposed to making real-time transmission compulsory point to:
- Poor network coverage in remote or rural communities.
- Risk of legal disputes if results cannot be uploaded instantly due to technical failure.
- The need for flexibility so the electoral commission can choose the most reliable method.
Their argument is not against electronic transmission itself, but against making immediacy a strict legal requirement.
At its heart, the debate is about confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
- Supporters of real-time uploads see technology as a path to cleaner, more transparent polls.
- Critics worry about technical realities undermining the law if expectations cannot be met nationwide.
The Senate’s final position — and any compromise reached with the House of Representatives — could shape how Nigerians vote and trust results in the next general election.
