Electoral Act Dr. Usman Bugaje, an Islamic scholar and political activist, has asserted that efforts to obstruct mandated electronic transmission of election results are intended to facilitate electoral fraud and confer unfair advantages to specific political entities.
Bugaje asserted the accusation on Tuesday during his appearance on Arise Television’s Morning Show, when he condemned the objections presented against real-time electronic transmission of results.
He says that assertions regarding the inability to send results electronically are merely pretexts intended to subvert the election process.
He contended that it was not the duty of legislators to ascertain the operational capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasising that INEC has asserted its capability to send results electronically.
Bugaje enquired why the Senate would conjecture about INEC’s purported incapacity to execute real-time transmission when, as he stated, experts had confirmed that network coverage nationwide was adequate to facilitate the operation.
Bugaje stated: “These are merely pretexts to facilitate electoral manipulation.” It is unequivocal. Point of Sale systems are available in the most isolated settlements. Telephones, operational, and WhatsApp facilitate messaging and communication among individuals.
“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of INEC to assert that we lack the capacity to deliver.” That task is not the responsibility of the politicians. As previously stated, INEC has advocated in its response during the public hearing that this is the stance.
“What is the Senate’s role in speculating about INEC’s inability to act when INEC has clearly articulated its position?”
Experts have recently stated that the level of coverage is adequate for INEC to fulfil its responsibilities.
“Keep in mind that even when posting in remote locations, once you enter an area of coverage, the message will eventually reach the portal.” Consequently, it is not an impossibility.
Numerous countries globally, which exhibit significantly lower levels of internet availability, have implemented precisely this approach. Thus, they are entirely insufficient justifications.
“These are alibis, justifications provided in anticipation of manipulation.” Otherwise, why impede it in the 21st century, given all the advancements? Regardless, we possess plenty time to enhance the capabilities of INEC. This can be accomplished within one month.
The concept of providing excuses is questionable. The objective is evidently to modify the electoral system to provide specific individuals the opportunity to manipulate our elections as they have previously done.
“You distinctly remember the events of last year.” They ceased operation, and thereafter, a multitude of photographs emerged; to this day, no one has sufficiently elucidated what transpired.
“If it were a glitch, why did it not occur with other results?” Why solely the Presidential results? This matter should have been thoroughly examined in a serious nation, and if individuals were proven culpable, they would have faced prosecution; yet, many of these crooks operate without consequence.