, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said that while technology has significantly improved the conduct and credibility of elections in Nigeria,){kind=link}
By Fatima Mukhtar
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said that while technology has significantly improved the conduct and credibility of elections in Nigeria, it cannot completely eliminate the flaws that continue to undermine the country’s electoral process.
Yakubu, who made the remarks while reflecting on Nigeria’s electoral evolution, explained that innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) have enhanced transparency and voter confidence. However, he stressed that the human element and logistical constraints still pose serious challenges to achieving flawless polls.
According to Punch, Prof. Mahmood said that despite the legal backing provided by the 2022 Electoral Act, issues such as late arrival of materials, malfunctioning devices, and poor internet connectivity in rural areas continue to affect election day operations. According to him, “Technology has made elections more transparent, but it cannot correct human failings or guarantee perfection.”
Yakubu noted that electoral integrity depends not only on technological tools but also on the conduct of election officials, party agents, and voters. He emphasized the need for continuous voter education, improved logistics, and stronger institutional discipline to complement the gains made through technology.
The former INEC chief added that the Commission is continually reviewing the use of technology to improve future elections, but warned that public trust must be sustained through transparency and accountability at all levels.
Prof. Yakubu served as INEC Chairman from 2015 to 2025, overseeing two general elections and several off-cycle polls where technology played a crucial role in accreditation and result management.
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