By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria’s new electoral law is already shaping debate ahead of the next general election. In 2026, the National Assembly passed the Electoral Act 2026, replacing the 2022 law. The reform aims to strengthen election transparency and credibility. It also clarifies how technology supports vote collation.
The key provision attracting attention is Section 60(3). The section regulates the electronic transmission of polling unit results. It requires officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to upload results electronically after completing Form EC8A.
Who introduced the reform? Nigeria’s lawmakers. What does it regulate? Electronic transmission of election results. When will it matter most? During the 2027 general elections. Where will it apply? Across Nigeria’s polling units. Why was it introduced? To strengthen transparency and rebuild voter confidence. How will it work? Through a hybrid system that combines electronic uploads with physical result forms.
This framework places technology at the centre of electoral transparency while maintaining a legal backup through physical documentation.
The Core Provision: Section 60(3)
Section 60(3) establishes electronic transmission as a legal requirement rather than an optional practice. Electoral officers must complete Form EC8A at the polling unit before uploading results to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV).
This rule confirms that the physical form remains the primary legal record. However, the electronic upload serves as a transparency tool. Citizens, observers and political parties can verify results almost instantly.
The hybrid design balances innovation with legal certainty. Nigeria’s uneven digital infrastructure makes a full electronic system risky. Therefore, lawmakers preserved the physical process while expanding digital access.
Lessons from the 2023 Presidential Election
Public trust in election technology changed dramatically during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
Before the election, voters expected real-time uploads to the INEC Results Viewing Portal. Earlier off-cycle elections had demonstrated smooth electronic uploads. As a result, public confidence in the system increased.
However, the presidential election produced delays and inconsistent uploads. Physical results still followed the legal process. Yet the gap between expectation and performance triggered widespread suspicion.
The lesson was clear. In a digital era, perception carries as much weight as procedure.
Therefore, the new Act must clarify the responsibilities of electoral officials in the hybrid system. Clear verification procedures for electronic and physical results will also strengthen accountability.
Promise and Progress for the 2027 Elections
If electronic transmission works smoothly in 2027, Section 60(3) could restore damaged public trust.
Instant uploads will allow citizens, observers and political parties to verify polling unit results independently. This transparency will also reduce rumours and misinformation.
Meanwhile, the legal authority of Form EC8A will operate quietly as a safeguard. In this case, the hybrid system will combine transparency with legal reliability.
The Act also expands reform beyond technology. It strengthens continuous voter registration and improves disability data collection. These measures support a more inclusive electoral process across Nigeria.
Persistent Challenges
Despite its promise, the reform still faces serious risks.
First, connectivity problems could delay uploads from remote polling units. Second, cyber threats could target the electronic system. Third, operational mistakes could create inconsistencies between uploaded and physical results.
Critics may also argue that the primacy of Form EC8A weakens digital transparency. If the electronic system fails, sceptics may claim that reforms exist only on paper.
Legal disputes could also increase. Section 60(3) requires electronic transmission after completing the physical form. However, scanning errors or data corruption may produce different records.
In such disputes, tribunals will likely prioritise physical forms. That position aligns with existing electoral law. Nevertheless, inconsistent electronic records could deepen public scepticism.
Therefore, effective communication will remain essential. INEC must provide clear updates during disruptions. Transparent explanations will help citizens understand delays and maintain confidence.
Cybersecurity protection is also critical. Strong safeguards will protect election infrastructure from hacking or manipulation.
Strengthening the Hybrid Electoral System
Nigeria must address several operational issues before the 2027 elections.
First, lawmakers should define contingency plans for technology failures. These guidelines will reassure voters that election integrity remains protected.
Second, INEC must train election officials thoroughly. Staff must understand both digital uploads and physical documentation procedures.
Third, authorities should improve digital infrastructure in remote areas. Reliable internet access will reduce upload delays.
These measures will ensure that the hybrid system functions as intended.
Conclusion
Section 60(3) represents a turning point in Nigeria’s electoral reform journey. The provision transforms electronic transmission from an experiment into a statutory requirement.
If implemented effectively, it could restore trust and strengthen democratic credibility. However, repeated technological failures could reinforce public scepticism.
The road to the 2027 elections will therefore test the reform. Physical Form EC8A may remain the legal anchor. Yet public legitimacy will depend on real-time electronic transparency.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s democracy must balance legal safeguards with visible accountability. Section 60(3) embodies this dual challenge. Success will depend on whether citizens see a system that works clearly, consistently and transparently.
