Isiaka lists infrastructure gaps as reason for Reps’ u-turn on real-time elections result transmission

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AKINWALE ABOLUWADE

Decision by the National Assembly to drop the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results was informed by concerns over Nigeria’s weak digital infrastructure, security vulnerabilities and the risk of voter disenfranchisement, Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, who is a member of the House of Representatives has said.

The politician, who represents Yewa North/Imeko-Afon Federal Constituency of Ogun State, spoke on Eagle 102.5 FM’s current affairs programme, Frontline, on Wednesday.

Recall that the House had in December passed amendments to the Electoral Act making electronic transmission of results compulsory. However, the Senate rejected the clause and pushed for the retention of manual collation as a fallback option.

The disagreement led to the setting up of a conference committee to harmonise the positions of both chambers. The committee’s report, adopted last week, removed the mandatory real-time transmission provision.

According to Isiaka, the reversal followed extensive negotiations and technical briefings during the harmonization process.

Says Isiaka, “With the way our country is structured, you cannot guarantee stable network coverage in all polling units. It will be dangerous to put the entire electoral process solely in the hands of technology.

“Where live transmission is not feasible, presiding officers must be allowed to adopt manual alternatives. That was the logic behind the position eventually adopted.”

He explained that the conference committee, made up of equal members from the Senate and the House, became the platform for what he described as a legislative rethink.

“In the process of harmonising the bill, there were intense discussions, debates and negotiations. The House initially believed that only electronic transmission should be used.

“The Senate argued that where network coverage is unavailable, manual collation using Form EC8A should be allowed. When these arguments were examined closely, the Senate’s position prevailed,” he said.

Isiaka maintained that the decision was neither rushed nor politically motivated but based on what he termed “superior arguments” grounded in Nigeria’s operational realities.

He noted that enforcing mandatory real-time transmission could disenfranchise voters in rural and remote communities with unreliable internet access.

“Even if internet penetration is said to be over 90 per cent, what happens to the remaining 10 per cent? Should their votes not count? Should their polling units be excluded?” he asked.

The lawmaker added that Nigeria’s vast landmass and thousands of polling units with weak or non-existent network coverage made a technology-only approach risky.

“Beyond technology, there are security concerns; risks of sabotage, equipment failure and network collapse. We cannot gamble with something as sensitive as national elections,” he said.

Isiaka dismissed claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress dictated the House’s position, insisting that lawmakers act in the national interest once sworn in.

“Once you get to the National Assembly, you become a representative of the people first. Party affiliation becomes secondary. You must examine every issue critically and take positions based on national interest, not party directives,” he said.

He pointed to dissent and protests recorded during plenary as evidence that members were guided by personal convictions rather than partisan loyalty.

“If it was purely a party decision, you wouldn’t have seen the level of disagreement and protests on the floor,” Isiaka stated.

On speculation about his governorship ambition ahead of the 2027 general elections, Isiaka confirmed his interest but said the party’s internal processes would determine the outcome.

“Yes, I am interested. But the process is just beginning. I believe in due process and internal democracy, and I will abide by the rules of the party,” he said.

Addressing public concerns over manual collation and trust deficits in the electoral system, Isiaka argued that safeguards remain in place to protect the integrity of the process.

“There are party agents at polling units, ward levels and collation centres. They all have copies of result sheets. Where there are discrepancies, there are processes for redress, including legal action,” he said.

Isiaka added that no electoral system is entirely immune to manipulation. “Even in countries that rely fully on electronic transmission, allegations still arise.

There is no system that is 100 per cent immune. What we can do is to continuously improve,” he said.
On constituency matters, Isiaka highlighted his interventions on fuel supply restrictions affecting border communities in Ogun State.

“My motions focused on the hardship faced by border residents due to fuel supply restrictions. We have engaged security agencies to allow selective reopening of filling stations,” he said.

Isiaka also disclosed that bills seeking the establishment of a Federal College of Education, a polytechnic and an industrial park in his constituency are at various stages of legislative consideration.

The politician added, “These interventions are aimed at addressing unemployment, youth development and economic growth at the grassroots.”