Nigeria not technologically ready for real-time election results — NICO chief, Abiodun Ajiboye
Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation, Abiodun Ajiboye, has said Nigeria cannot implement electronic voting or real-time transmission of election results due to inadequate infrastructure.
Speaking on ARISE NEWS, Ajiboye argued that the country lacks the telecom capacity, stable electricity and cybersecurity strength required for such a system. He cited repeated cyberattacks on INEC servers during the last election and warned that moving fully digital could expose the process to greater vulnerability.
“We have no capability to do electronic voting or real-time transmission at this time,” he said, adding that even advanced democracies like the United States do not rely on real-time electronic transmission.
Ajiboye maintained that manual voting and collation remain practical for Nigeria, suggesting that results can still be scanned and transmitted after physical verification by party agents.
Beyond elections, he also highlighted the mandate of NICO, stressing the importance of cultural identity in nation-building. He revealed plans to establish a Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies in Ogbomoso and noted ongoing public lectures and orientation programs aimed at strengthening cultural awareness.
On proposed government reforms, Ajiboye said a National Assembly committee is reviewing agencies for possible mergers, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains committed to actions geared toward national development.
