2027 Elections: INEC Urged to Ensure Every Vote Is Traceable

Ugo Inyama calls for transparent result transmission, independent technical checks and clear procedures to protect public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, public attention is turning to a critical question: how can voters verify that the results announced at polling units are accurately reflected in the final outcome?

In an opinion article published by THISDAY, titled “INEC 2027: What Happens After We Vote?”, writer Ugo Inyama has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen electoral transparency by ensuring that polling unit results can be tracked throughout the collation process.

Inyama argued that Nigerians who endure long queues and difficult conditions to cast their votes deserve a clear account of what happens to their ballots after counting is completed.

He noted that uncertainty often arises between the announcement of polling unit results and the final declaration of winners, creating room for suspicion, disputes and allegations of manipulation.

Lessons from the 2023 Elections

The writer recalled the expectations surrounding the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) ahead of the 2023 general elections.

According to him, delays in uploading presidential election results to the portal generated anxiety and weakened public confidence in the process.

He urged INEC to learn from that experience and ensure that its technological systems and operational procedures are adequately tested before the next elections.

Clear Rules for Electronic Transmission

Inyama stressed the need for transparent procedures governing electronic transmission, particularly when network failures or technical difficulties prevent results from being uploaded promptly.

He called on INEC to establish clear guidelines for documenting transmission failures, preserving signed result sheets and explaining delays to the public.

He also advocated independent technical assessments of the commission’s systems, early publication of contingency plans and opportunities for accredited observers and political parties to scrutinise preparations, subject to appropriate security safeguards.

The writer maintained that any correction to election results should be traceable, with records showing the original figures, the nature of the change and the reasons for it.

Accountability for Electoral Offences

Beyond technology, Inyama emphasised the importance of accountability and impartial enforcement of electoral rules.

He argued that electoral officials must apply the same standards regardless of which political party or candidate stands to benefit from a decision.

He also called for consistent action against vote buying, stressing that accountability should extend beyond voters who accept inducements to include those who finance and organise the practice.

According to the writer, political parties must demonstrate consistency by accepting transparent electoral outcomes, including defeats, rather than supporting transparency only when it favours them.

Restoring Public Confidence

Inyama maintained that although the courts remain essential for resolving election disputes, voters should not have to depend on lengthy litigation to understand how polling unit results translate into final declarations.

He urged INEC to provide timely updates whenever technical problems arise, identify affected locations and explain the steps being taken to resolve them.

The central message of his article is that electoral credibility depends not only on conducting elections but also on making the process transparent and verifiable from the polling unit to the final declaration.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, the challenge for INEC will be to ensure that technology, clear procedures and institutional accountability work together to protect the integrity of the vote and strengthen public trust.