Zazzau Emir urges electronic voting, calling for technology-driven elections to improve transparency, credibility and trust in Nigeria’s electoral process
Zazzau Emir urges electronic voting as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s electoral system, with Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, calling for the adoption of electronic voting machines in all elections across the country.
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The traditional ruler made the appeal on Thursday, 10 July 2026, in Kaduna during the launch of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026 to 2030.
Bamalli said Nigeria needed to move beyond manual voting methods, arguing that technology could make elections more transparent, efficient and credible.
“I am still one of those Nigerians that believe Nigeria needs to move forward. As against manual election, electronic voting machine should be used in every election in Nigeria,” he said.
The emir, who previously served as a commissioner at KAD-SIECOM, said his position was influenced by his experience studying electoral technology in other countries.
He recalled visits to China, Brazil and the United States, where he observed how electronic voting systems were developed and used during elections.
He said a Kaduna delegation visited Shenzhen in China, where the machines were produced, before observing elections conducted with the technology in Brazil and the US.
Bamalli also highlighted Kaduna’s previous experience with electronic voting machines, saying the system was successfully used during his tenure at the commission. According to him, the technology allowed voting and result collation to be completed within a few hours.
He explained that electronic voting could help reduce opportunities for manipulation because votes are stored digitally at the commission’s headquarters, while printed results are immediately provided to party agents at polling units.
“So I’m still appealing that SIECOM should look at that. It’s a colossal investment, and should champion it,” the emir said.
The call comes amid ongoing discussions in Nigeria about improving electoral credibility through technology. While the country has introduced electronic systems for voter accreditation and result transmission, voting itself remains largely manual.
Speaking at the event, KAD-SIECOM Chairman Hajara Mohammed said the commission’s new five-year strategic plan was designed to improve election management, strengthen public confidence and promote credible polls.
Mohammed said the strategy would address major challenges affecting elections, including voter apathy, logistics difficulties, legal reforms and the need to build stronger trust in the electoral process.
The debate over electronic voting continues as Nigeria prepares for future elections, with supporters arguing that technology could improve accuracy and transparency, while others have raised concerns about cost, infrastructure and cybersecurity challenges.
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The Zazzau Emir’s intervention adds to growing calls for electoral innovation as the country seeks ways to strengthen democratic participation.
