The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has identified poor telecommunications connectivity as the main obstacle to real-time transmission of election results in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions in Abuja, INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, said that while the Commission has made significant progress with the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), uneven network coverage across the country continues to hinder seamless uploads of polling-unit results to the INEC Result Viewing portal.
Prof. Amupitan was represented at the conference by National Commissioner May Agbamuche-Mbu. According to him, the BVAS technology has revolutionized election processes by preventing voter impersonation and multiple voting, but its effectiveness depends on reliable network connectivity.
“With 176,846 polling units tucked into swamps, perched on mountains, and hidden in far-flung communities, achieving real-time upload of Polling Unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal remains one of the toughest battles for transparency on Election Day,” the INEC chairman explained.
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has been hailed as a milestone in Nigeria’s electoral history. The device combines biometric verification with smart card technology, allowing voters to be accurately identified before casting their votes.
“The BVAS device has become our frontline defence against identity fraud, ensuring that only the rightful, eligible voter can be accredited at the polling unit,” Prof. Amupitan said. “With these biometric safeguards now in place, voter impersonation has been effectively eliminated from our electoral system.”
He added that the introduction of BVAS has restored public confidence in the electoral process, significantly reducing the risks of multiple voting and identity theft, which have historically plagued Nigerian elections.
The INEC chairman highlighted that while BVAS addresses the issue of electoral fraud, the next major challenge is ensuring that results from every polling unit are uploaded to the central portal in real time, especially from remote areas with limited network coverage.
According to INEC, the uneven quality of network infrastructure across Nigeria remains a major hurdle to real-time result transmission. Some polling units are located in hard-to-reach areas such as swamps, remote villages, and mountainous regions where mobile network signals are weak or nonexistent.
“These connectivity gaps create delays in result uploads, which can affect public perception of election transparency,” Prof. Amupitan explained. “A tool like the BVAS is only as good as the network it runs on.”
A statement from INEC’s Chief Press Secretary, Dayo Oketola, highlighted that the Commission is actively engaging with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and network providers to find practical solutions. Alternative technologies are also being explored to bridge the gaps and ensure that election results from all polling units can be uploaded quickly and accurately.
“The challenge is real, but we are determined to overcome it,” the statement said. “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerians can monitor election results in real time and trust the integrity of the process.”
To address the challenge, INEC is in discussions with mobile network providers to improve coverage in areas where polling units are difficult to access. The Commission is exploring the use of satellite internet connections, mobile signal boosters, and other technologies to enhance network availability during elections.
“The collaboration with network operators is critical,” Prof. Amupitan said. “We must ensure that no polling unit is left behind and that the results are transmitted efficiently and securely.”
The Bimodal Voter Accreditation System is widely regarded as a turning point for Nigeria’s democratic journey. Before its introduction, voter impersonation and multiple voting were common, undermining the credibility of elections.
“With the BVAS, each voter is identified using fingerprints and a smart card,” Prof. Amupitan explained. “The system automatically detects duplicate registrations and prevents anyone from voting more than once. This technology has proven foolproof in recent elections, ensuring that only eligible voters participate.”
Civil society groups and election monitors have praised BVAS for its contribution to electoral integrity. Observers say that while challenges remain, particularly with network coverage, the system has eliminated many forms of election fraud that previously plagued the country.
INEC’s focus now is on ensuring that every polling unit, regardless of location, can transmit results to the central portal in real time. The Commission plans to continue working with technology partners, telecom operators, and government agencies to enhance connectivity and reliability.
“The dream of real-time result transmission is achievable,” Prof. Amupitan said. “We have the technology, and with the right infrastructure and cooperation from stakeholders, Nigerians will be able to watch election results unfold as they happen.”
The INEC chairman also highlighted the importance of voter education and public awareness in complementing technological solutions. Citizens must understand how the BVAS works and trust that the results they see are accurate and credible.
