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Technology advances elections in Nigeria, but can’t eliminate flaws, says ex-INEC chair Yakubu

Prof Mahmoud Yakubu 750x430 1

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has asserted that while technological innovations have significantly enhanced election conduct over the past decade, they fall short of resolving persistent issues that erode the credibility of the nation’s polls.

Yakubu made these remarks in his foreword to a newly released book, Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025, published by INEC. A copy of the 200-page publication, obtained by Sunday PUNCH, provides an in-depth chronicle of the commission’s activities, successes, and hurdles during Yakubu’s two-term leadership, which spanned from 2015 to 2025.

In the foreword, Yakubu described the book as “the first, most comprehensive record of these milestones, lessons and challenges of [his] two-term tenure.”

He characterised the 2015–2025 period as “one of the most momentous in the history of the management of elections in Nigeria,” highlighting “several milestones, many challenges and useful lessons in the conduct of elections and the management of the process within this period.”

Among the key technological advancements detailed in the book are the rollout of the Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Voter Enrolment Device (IVED), the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), and the expansion of voter access through increased polling units. These tools, Yakubu noted, have streamlined accreditation, enrollment, result transmission, and accessibility.

The publication also underscores INEC’s push for greater inclusivity, with specific initiatives aimed at women, youth, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and internally displaced persons (IDPs). “Targeted policies” were implemented to ensure these groups’ participation, Yakubu wrote.

However, the former chairman was candid about ongoing setbacks. “Despite these achievements, the 2015–2025 decade was not without its challenges,” he stated.

These include a surge in election-related litigations—often involving INEC and conflicting court orders—electoral violence such as attacks on facilities and staff, vote buying, and logistical nightmares that have caused election postponements since 2011.

Yakubu emphasised technology’s boundaries: “While it had advanced the process, it was not a panacea.” He cited “technical challenges with equipment and connectivity failures” that have occasionally disrupted operations.In response, INEC implemented reforms like enhanced voter education, rigorous training for officials, stronger ties with security agencies for protection, and guidelines for technology deployment.

Looking forward, Yakubu called for sustained evolution in electoral practices. “As the commission looks to the future, the conduct of elections and the management of elections will continue to evolve and present fresh challenges. Such challenges will necessarily either require the consolidation of old, or the formulation of new reforms,” he wrote.

He stressed building public trust and inclusivity as cornerstones for democracy. “The commission must fully embrace both successes and failures, intensify confidence and trust-building measures, expand the drive towards inclusivity and continuously be ahead in addressing potential threats to the conduct of elections and the management of the electoral process,” Yakubu added.

“Only in and through these, can it ensure the conduct of free, fair, credible and inclusive elections and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.”