By Olakunle Oke
Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has cautioned that the adoption of electronic transmission of election results is not a standalone solution for guaranteeing free and fair polls.
He emphasized that the ultimate credibility of any electoral process rests on the integrity and commitment of the stakeholders involved rather than just the technology employed.
Speaking on Wednesday during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Sani noted that no electoral system is entirely immune to manipulation if there is a deliberate intent to rig.
He argued that whether a process involves manual voting, electronic transmission, or a hybrid approach, perpetrators will often find ways to circumvent safeguards if the underlying political culture remains unchanged.
According to Sani, while technological advancements can strengthen the framework of an election, they cannot eliminate malpractice in an environment characterized by inducement and manipulation.
He pointed out that although laws prohibiting vote-buying are already in place, enforcement remains a significant challenge due to limited manpower and the logistical difficulty of monitoring activities across every community.
The former senator maintained that credible elections depend more on political will and strict adherence to established rules than on the specific method used to transmit results.
He concluded that Nigeria’s electoral success will be determined by a collective resolve to uphold democratic principles, accountability, and integrity, rather than a reliance on technology as a “magic wand” for transparency.
