Nigeria not ready for real-time transmission of election results – Sen Plang
The Senator representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, Diket Plang (APC), has declared that Nigeria is currently technologically unequipped for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking during a press briefing at his residence in Jos on Sunday, the lawmaker addressed a wide range of critical issues affecting both his constituency and the nation, including the controversial Electoral Act Amendment and recent tragedies in Plateau State.
On real-time electronic transmission of election results, Plang’s comments came amid ongoing national debate to mandate the real-time transmission of results, which was recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
While acknowledging the importance of transparency, Plang urged a pragmatic approach to the transition.
According to him: “We must be honest with ourselves: our infrastructure is not yet there,” Plang stated.
“While we aspire for a system where results are seen instantly, we must consider the realities of network coverage and technological literacy across the 774 local governments. Nigeria is not yet fully ready for a 100% real-time electronic transmission without risk of disenfranchisement or system failure”, he said.
He emphasized that the focus should remain on building a robust, tamper-proof system before making it the sole legal standard for validation.
Commenting on the Wase Mining Tragedy in Plateau, where 37 lives were lost, the Senator expressed profound grief over the recent mining disaster in the Kampani Zurak community of Wase Local Government Area.
Recall that a devastating explosion last week at the Wase mining site recently claimed the lives of 37 miners.
Plang described the incident as a “colossal loss” to the State and called for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in the solid minerals sector, urging the Federal Government to Conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion, Provide immediate relief and compensation to the families of the deceased, Ensure that mining companies operating in the state prioritize the lives of local workers over profit.
Addressing the security situation in Kanam LGA of the State where recent killings have displaced many and claimed lives, Plang condemned the “senseless banditry attack” and called for a more proactive security architecture.
“The people of Kanam deserve to live in peace. We cannot continue to bury our vibrant youths and farmers due to the activities of bandits and criminal elements,” he said.
He further noted that he is working closely with security agencies and the State government to ensure that more boots are on the ground in vulnerable border communities.
On his support for President Tinubu, Plang concluded the briefing by reaffirming his commitment to the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the APC-led government, promising to continue advocating for the legislative needs of Plateau Central in the National Assembly.
He noted that his office is currently reviewing a motion to address the environmental impact of mining in the State to prevent future disasters like the one in Wase.
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