Don’t usurp INEC’s powers, David Mark warns Akpabio over electronic transmission of results

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has urged the leadership of the National Assembly to allow the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) determine whether it can electronically transmit election results.

Mark specifically cautioned the Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, against usurping the constitutional powers of the electoral body ahead of the 2027 general election.

He argued that INEC, as the institution constitutionally empowered to conduct elections, is best positioned to assess its operational capacity and deploy appropriate technology for credible polls.

The former Senate President made the remarks on Saturday during the public presentation of The Burden of Legislators in Nigeria at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

“There should be electronic transmission. Let INEC decide whether they can do real-time electronic transmission or not. Don’t speak for INEC; speak for the National Assembly,” Mark said.

“And what the public wants is electronic transmission of election results. If INEC cannot do it, that is INEC’s problem, not for the National Assembly to speak on its behalf,” he added.

His comments come amid growing criticism from civil society organisations, opposition parties and pro-democracy groups over the Senate’s refusal to make real-time electronic transmission of election results mandatory in the ongoing review of the Electoral Act.

Last week, the Senate passed the Electoral Act, 2022 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026, but rejected a proposed amendment that would have mandated the electronic transmission of results from polling units.

Instead, lawmakers retained the existing framework, which allows for the manual completion, signing, stamping and physical transfer of election results, in accordance with procedures prescribed by INEC.

Critics argue that the continued reliance on manual collation creates room for manipulation and could undermine electoral transparency, potentially reversing gains recorded in recent elections.

However, some federal lawmakers have defended the decision, citing challenges such as poor network coverage in rural areas and logistical constraints, which they say make compulsory electronic transmission impractical nationwide.

Mark’s intervention adds to mounting pressure on the National Assembly to strengthen electoral reforms, rather than dilute them, as the country prepares for the next general elections.

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