Shehu Sani says electronic transmission of results does not guarantee free and fair elections despite Senate approval in amended Electoral Act
Former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani has said that the electronic transmission of election results does not fully guarantee free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
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Sani made the statement during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a programme on Channels Television, on Wednesday while reacting to the recent passage of the amended Electoral Act.
The Senate had approved electronic transmission of election results, with manual collation retained as a backup option.
Speaking on the development, Sani said electronic transfer alone cannot ensure a perfect electoral process.
According to him, there is no electoral system that individuals determined to rig elections would not attempt to manipulate.
He explained that while Nigeria may adopt manual voting and electronic transmission of results, the credibility of elections ultimately depends on the intent of those conducting and participating in the process.
He noted that where there is a genuine commitment to credible elections, the system will work, but where manipulation is intended, loopholes will always be exploited.
Sani further pointed out that despite laws prohibiting voter inducement, such practices still occur because authorities lack the manpower to monitor every community and polling unit across the country.
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His comments come amid debates surrounding reforms introduced in the amended Electoral Act and efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
