Former INEC Commissioner Issues Grave Warning Over New Electoral Legislation
Mike Igini, a former Electoral Commissioner with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has voiced strong opposition to the recently enacted Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026. This critical legislation was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and includes provisions for electronic transmission of election results, but with a controversial clause permitting manual tabulation in cases of network failure at polling units.
Dangers of Manual Tabulation Clause Highlighted
In an exclusive interview with Arise TV on the morning of February 18, 2026, Igini articulated his deep concerns regarding the bill's manual tabulation provision. He emphasized that this clause poses a significant threat to the safety of election presiding officers, who are predominantly youth corpers serving the nation. According to Igini, the risk arises from potential conflicts when voters, using their personal mobile devices, observe adequate network connectivity while presiding officers claim network failure to justify manual result tabulation.
Igini explained: "The danger here is that crisis can erupt in situations where electorates can clearly see that there is network available on their phones, but the presiding officer opts for manual tabulation under the pretext of no network. This discrepancy could lead to violent disputes, directly endangering the lives of these young officers who are merely performing their civic duties."
Broader Implications for Electoral Integrity
The former INEC chief's warning underscores broader issues of transparency and security in Nigeria's electoral process. The bill's allowance for manual tabulation, intended as a backup measure, may inadvertently create loopholes for manipulation and undermine public trust in election outcomes. Igini's insights highlight the need for robust technological infrastructure and clear protocols to prevent such scenarios, ensuring that electronic transmission remains the primary and most reliable method for result collation.
This development comes at a crucial time as Nigeria prepares for future elections, including the anticipated 2027 polls. Stakeholders are urged to reconsider the bill's provisions to safeguard both the integrity of the electoral system and the well-being of those tasked with its implementation.
