NASS adopted hybrid transmission to prevent disenfranchisement — Abbas
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas has explained that the National Assembly adopted both electronic and manual transmission of election results in the amended Electoral Act to prevent voter disenfranchisement and curb apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abbas said limiting result transmission to electronic means alone would have excluded a significant portion of Nigerians due to inadequate internet penetration and persistent energy challenges across the country.
He spoke while receiving the Spanish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Felix Costales during a courtesy visit to his office in Abuja over the weekend.
Abbas hosted the envoy alongside Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Kabir Bichi; Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wole Oke; and Chairman, Nigeria-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Jafaru Yakubu.
According to Abbas, Nigeria still faces serious connectivity gaps, with nearly 40 per cent of the country underserved by internet coverage.
He noted that even in major cities like Abuja, stable internet access is not guaranteed at all times, arguing that adopting only electronic transmission would risk excluding communities without reliable connectivity, thereby further depressing voter turnout, which he described as already alarmingly low at between 12 and 15 per cent of registered voters in previous elections.
The Speaker maintained that a hybrid system allows flexibility, enabling electronic transmission where feasible and manual processes where technological limitations exist, stressing that this approach would ensure broader participation and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
Abbas also pointed to Nigeria’s ongoing energy crisis, noting that reliable internet services depend heavily on stable electricity supply, a challenge that could undermine nationwide real time electronic transmission on election day.
While acknowledging criticisms from opposition figures, the Speaker insisted that the realities of Nigeria’s infrastructure informed the National Assembly’s decision, adding that every democracy evolves gradually and must adapt to its peculiar circumstances.
Abbas expressed optimism that the 2027 general elections would be more transparent, accommodating and inclusive, citing assurances from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding reforms and planned improvements.
Ambassador Costales said Spain would closely monitor Nigeria’s 2027 elections and expressed readiness to support efforts aimed at strengthening democratic institutions.
He also advocated deeper parliamentary diplomacy between Nigeria and Spain, noting that compromise and consensus-building remain essential to democratic governance worldwide.
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