The immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu, has cautioned that while technology has improved the conduct of elections in Nigeria, it cannot single-handedly eradicate the flaws that continue to plague the nation’s electoral system.
Yakubu made this assertion in his new book titled “Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025,” a 200-page chronicle that documents INEC’s operations, reforms, achievements, and setbacks during his decade-long tenure as the commission’s chief executive.
Reflecting on what he described as one of the most eventful periods in Nigeria’s electoral history, Yakubu noted that although significant milestones were achieved between 2015 and 2025, persistent challenges — both technical and human — still undermine the integrity of the polls.
“The decade between 2015 and 2025 has been one of the most momentous in the history of election management in Nigeria,” Yakubu wrote. “There have been milestones, challenges and valuable lessons. Yet, technical glitches, equipment malfunction, and poor connectivity have, at times, hindered the smooth conduct of elections.”
According to him, the introduction of innovations such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) marked a turning point in electoral transparency, but technology, he emphasised, is not a “magic wand” capable of curing all systemic defects.
To tackle the recurring issues, Yakubu disclosed that the commission embarked on far-reaching reforms — including intensified voter education, comprehensive training for ad hoc staff, and stronger collaboration with security agencies to safeguard electoral processes.
He also highlighted the development of policy frameworks to guide the effective deployment of election technologies across polling units nationwide.
Looking ahead, the former INEC boss urged continuous reform, vigilance, and civic engagement to sustain the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Technology can enhance credibility, but it cannot substitute for integrity, transparency, and vigilance,” he wrote, stressing that election management must always evolve to meet emerging challenges.
