The push for immediate electronic transmission of election results in Nigeria is a “push for the impossible,” according to Abiodun Ajiboye, the Executive Secretary of the National Institute of Cultural Orientation (NICO).
Speaking on ARISE NEWS this Monday, Ajiboye argued that Nigeria’s current technological landscape—plagued by power instability and telecommunication gaps—is simply not robust enough to handle the demands of real-time digital collation.
The Infrastructure Gap
Ajiboye highlighted a fundamental disconnect between Nigeria’s manual voting process and the expectations for digital speed. He noted that as long as ballots are cast on paper, a “real-time” digital leap remains a logistical fantasy.

“Transmitting election results electronically is the function of the manner of voting. If you vote manually… how do you then transmit electronically real-time? It’s just not possible. We can’t even afford it. Even if we wish to, we can’t afford it.”

He further questioned whether the nation’s core utilities could survive the pressure of a nationwide digital election:

• Telecom Limits: “Do the telecom operators have that capability?”
• Power Shortages: “Do we have enough electricity to undertake that responsibility in Nigeria?”
  Cybersecurity and Vulnerability
  Beyond hardware, Ajiboye raised alarms regarding digital interference. Recalling that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) servers faced over one million attacks during the last cycle, he warned that forcing a digital shift opens the door to chaos.
  “So what they’re saying is that we should put the electoral process within the vulnerability of hijackers, causing a lot of confusion. This is what I see them pushing.”

The Risk of Disenfranchisement
Perhaps the most significant concern raised was the potential to leave rural Nigerians behind. Ajiboye argued that insisting on high-tech solutions in areas without electricity or cell service would effectively silence millions of voters.
“Some rural communities don’t even have electricity. You’re trying to disenfranchise a lot of people by pushing for what is not possible. America does not even do real-time transmission. Go and check.”

NICO’s Vision for the Future
Switching gears to his primary mandate, Ajiboye emphasized that national development starts with identity, not just technology. He revealed plans for a Nigerian Academy for Cultural Studies in Ogbomoso to foster responsible citizenship.
“A man without a cultural identity is a man without a future. A nation without a cultural identity is a nation without a future.”

As the National Assembly reviews the merger of government agencies, Ajiboye expressed confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, noting that NICO remains ready to justify its vital role in the nation’s social fabric.