Amaechi: Real-time result transmission can save lives during elections

By Goli Innocent

Former Minister of Transportation and ex-Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has called for the mandatory use of real-time electronic transmission of election results, warning that failure to do so continues to cost Nigerian lives during elections.

Amaechi made the call on Tuesday while joining protesters at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, where citizens demanded that the ongoing amendment of the Electoral Act clearly compel the Independent National Electoral Commission to transmit results electronically from polling units.

According to him, credible and transparent elections would significantly reduce election-related violence across the country.

“The advantage is that very few people will die on election day. You are saving the lives of Nigerians,” Amaechi said, noting that politicians often remain shielded by security while citizens bear the brunt of electoral violence.

The former governor spoke amid growing debates over whether electronic transmission of results should be mandatory or left to INEC’s discretion ahead of the 2027 general election.

Civil society groups, youth organisations and concerned citizens staged a sit-in protest at the National Assembly, insisting that only a clear legal provision can prevent manipulation.

Amaechi expressed frustration with what he described as government indifference to electoral violence, arguing that real-time transmission remains the most effective safeguard against rigging and bloodshed.

He urged Nigerians to mobilise nationwide in defence of credible elections, stressing that sustained citizen pressure is necessary to force reforms that protect voters and strengthen democracy.

The protest adds to mounting pressure on lawmakers as calls grow louder for transparency, accountability and the protection of lives during Nigeria’s elections.