By Ogele News Political Desk, Abuja
Nigerians demand real-time election result upload Ezekwesili cautions lawmakers
Nigerians across the country are intensifying calls for the compulsory real-time electronic upload of election results from polling units, warning that anything short of full transparency could further weaken confidence in the nation’s democratic process. Former minister of education and prominent democracy advocate Oby Ezekwesili has added her voice to the growing chorus, cautioning lawmakers that public trust in elections cannot survive another cycle of ambiguity and delay.
The renewed agitation follows recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act in which the National Assembly declined to make real-time electronic transmission of results mandatory. Instead, the amended law retained provisions that allow the Independent National Electoral Commission discretion over the mode and timing of transmitting election results. That decision has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups, election observers, and ordinary citizens who say the country missed a crucial opportunity to strengthen electoral credibility ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ezekwesili, speaking on the matter, warned that lawmakers risk deepening public cynicism if they fail to reflect the clear will of Nigerians. According to her, Nigerians demand real-time election result upload not as a luxury, but as a safeguard against manipulation, delay and post-election disputes that have repeatedly plagued the system.
“The people are saying something very clear,” she said. “They want transparency. They want certainty. They want to see results from the same polling units where they cast their votes, without excuses or delays.”
https://ogelenews.ng/nigerians-demand-real-time-election-result-upload
Why Real-Time Upload Matters
Advocates of electoral reform argue that real-time election result upload is one of the most effective tools for restoring confidence in Nigeria’s elections. By uploading results directly from polling units as soon as voting and counting are concluded, citizens are able to independently verify outcomes and compare what is announced locally with what appears on official platforms.
For many Nigerians, the push for reform is rooted in the experiences of previous elections, particularly the 2023 general elections, when expectations around technology-driven transparency were high but largely unmet. Delays in result uploads and inconsistencies between polling unit figures and later announcements triggered widespread suspicion, protests, and prolonged legal battles.
It is against this background that Nigerians demand real-time election result upload as a binding legal requirement, not a discretionary option. Civil society groups argue that leaving such a critical process to administrative discretion undermines uniformity and creates loopholes that can be exploited during tense electoral contests.
Senate Decision and Public Reaction
The Senate’s decision to remove the mandatory real-time upload clause from the amended Electoral Act has been met with sharp criticism. Lawmakers who supported the change argued that network challenges, logistical constraints and uneven infrastructure across the country could make compulsory real-time transmission difficult to implement nationwide.
However, critics counter that these challenges are not new and should not be used to justify weaker safeguards. They insist that if Nigeria can successfully deploy biometric voter accreditation devices nationwide, then it can also enforce real-time result uploads with proper planning and investment.
Ezekwesili dismissed claims that insisting on real-time upload amounts to incitement or political pressure. She maintained that citizens demanding transparency are exercising their democratic rights, not undermining institutions.
“Democracy does not belong to politicians,” she said. “It belongs to the people. When Nigerians demand real-time election result upload, they are asking for a system that respects their votes and their intelligence.”
Implications for 2027 Elections
With the 2027 elections approaching, analysts say the controversy over real-time result uploads could become a defining issue in Nigeria’s political discourse. Youth groups, civil society coalitions and pro-democracy movements have already signalled that electoral transparency will be central to their engagement with political parties and lawmakers in the coming months.
There are also concerns that continued ambiguity could worsen voter apathy. Nigeria has recorded declining voter turnout in recent election cycles, particularly among young voters who were initially energised by promises of technology-enabled transparency.
Political analysts warn that failure to address these concerns could lead to deeper disengagement and increased post-election litigation, further straining democratic institutions.
Law, Trust and Democratic Stability
Legal experts note that laws governing elections must be explicit, especially on issues as sensitive as result transmission. They argue that when statutes leave too much room for discretion, uniform application becomes difficult, and trust suffers.
For many observers, the demand that Nigerians demand real-time election result upload reflects a broader struggle over the future of Nigeria’s democracy. It is not simply about technology, but about whether institutions are willing to align with citizens’ expectations in an era of heightened political awareness and digital accountability.
Ezekwesili urged lawmakers to see the current moment as an opportunity rather than a threat. According to her, embedding real-time upload into law would strengthen INEC, reduce suspicion, and insulate the electoral process from unnecessary controversy.
As the debate continues, one message remains consistent across political and civic spaces: Nigerians want an electoral system where results are seen, verified and trusted in real time. Whether lawmakers will heed that message may determine not just the credibility of future elections, but the resilience of Nigeria’s democracy itself.
