The Pathfinder
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
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Telecommunications operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom and T2 Mobile, have dismissed as “half-truths” claims that the country lacks adequate infrastructure to support real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The operators challenged the Senate to obtain verified data from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator, rather than relying on what they described as outdated or inaccurate assessments of telecom capacity.
Senate’s claims incorrect – ALTON
Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body of telecom operators, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, told Vanguard that any information about telecom infrastructure and nationwide coverage not emanating from the NCC should be treated with caution.
According to him, Nigeria currently has significant network penetration capable of supporting electronic transmission of results.
“Upon which survey or statistics is the Senate coming up with its position of inadequate telecom infrastructure? As we speak today, over 70 per cent of the country is covered with 3G and 4G, 5G has about 11 per cent coverage, and the rest is 2G,” Adebayo said.
“Even in reality, 2G is strong enough to transmit results electronically. I do not know where the Senate is getting its information, but we can’t take a blanket ban on electronic transmission based on a half-truth about our infrastructure and investments.
“We agree that there may be about two states where, due to insurgency, our members cannot safely access some facilities for maintenance. But that is an issue stakeholders can jointly address. It is not enough to conclude that the country is not ready for electronic transmission.”
Adebayo’s position aligns with that of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which in 2022 dismissed similar concerns, stating that where there were temporary network challenges, results uploaded to its IReV portal would automatically transmit once the device moved into an area with network coverage.
Senate’s counter-arguments
However, some senators have maintained that their reservations are not an attempt to roll back technological progress but are rooted in concerns about inclusivity, reliability and electoral integrity.
Lawmakers arguing against full reliance on real-time electronic transmission contend that network coverage statistics do not always reflect on-the-ground realities, especially in remote rural communities. They argue that “coverage” does not necessarily guarantee stable connectivity or sufficient bandwidth during peak periods such as nationwide elections.
Some senators have also raised concerns about:
Security vulnerabilities, including the risk of cyber-attacks, hacking or system manipulation during transmission.
Uneven infrastructure distribution, particularly in riverine, mountainous or conflict-affected areas.
Power supply challenges, which could affect the functionality of devices used for uploading results.
Legal and procedural clarity, insisting that the Electoral Act must provide unambiguous guidelines to prevent post-election disputes.
According to proponents of caution within the Senate, a hybrid system that retains manual collation alongside electronic transmission may offer stronger safeguards until infrastructure gaps are fully addressed nationwide.
They also argue that experiences from previous elections revealed instances where devices failed to upload results immediately, leading to public suspicion and litigation.
Stakeholders urged to collaborate
While the debate continues, industry experts say a collaborative approach involving the Senate, INEC, NCC, telecom operators and security agencies would be more productive than a blanket endorsement or rejection of e-transmission.
Analysts note that electronic transmission is widely regarded as a tool for enhancing transparency and reducing manipulation during collation, but its success depends on infrastructure readiness, legal backing and public trust.
As discussions over amendments to the Electoral Act continue, observers say the final decision will have significant implications for the credibility of future elections in Africa’s most populous nation.
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