Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo Writes to Tinubu, Akpabio, Calls for Electoral Reform

His Excellency,
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Presidential Villa,
Aso Rock, Abuja.

Through:

Senator Godswill Akpabio
President of the Nigerian Senate,
National Assembly Complex,
Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

And:

Hon. Abbas Tajudeen
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
National Assembly Complex,
Three Arms Zone, Abuja.

Subject: Urgent Call for Electoral Reforms and Adoption of Full Electronic Voting and Transmission Ahead of 2027 General Elections

Your Excellencies,

I write this letter as a concerned Nigerian citizen, moved by a profound sense of patriotic duty and an unshakable hope for a better and more transparent democratic process in our beloved nation. This letter is not only from me but echoes the voices of millions of Nigerians at home and abroad who desire to see Nigeria rise to its rightful place among the comity of developed democracies.

As the 2027 general elections approach, we believe that this is the most opportune time for the government of Nigeria under your capable leadership to embrace comprehensive electoral reform, especially through the full implementation of electronic voting, electronic transmission of results, and online participation of all eligible Nigerian citizens, regardless of their geographical location.

1. The Case for Electoral Reform: A Matter of National Urgency

Since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has made remarkable strides in conducting periodic elections. However, we must humbly admit that our democratic progress has often been tarnished by irregularities, violence, ballot box snatching, voter suppression, manipulation of results, and a general lack of transparency in the electoral process.

The persistent distrust in the credibility of election outcomes has led to voter apathy, especially among the youth and the diaspora. Every cycle, millions of Nigerians lose confidence in the process due to opaque result collation systems and manual, error-prone transmission of votes.

To build a 21st-century democracy, Nigeria must commit to bold reforms that will guarantee:

Electoral integrity

Increased voter participation

Reduction in electoral violence

Technological efficiency

Real-time monitoring and transparency

Diaspora inclusion.

2. Electronic Voting and Online Participation: The Path to Transparency

We respectfully urge the Federal Government, the Senate, and the National Assembly to pass legislation and provide funding for the design and implementation of a secure and robust electronic voting system. Such a system must include the following key components:

a) Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs):

To be deployed across all polling units nationwide

Biometrically enabled to ensure voter identity verification

Able to produce printed receipts for transparency and auditing

b) Online Voting Portal for Diaspora and Remote Voters:

A secure, encrypted platform enabling Nigerians abroad to vote using their National Identification Number (NIN) or Voter’s Card

Identity verification through facial recognition or biometric login

Access to all the same ballots as in-country voters

c) Real-Time Electronic Transmission of Results:

Votes should be transmitted from polling units to collation centres and INEC headquarters in real time

Results should be publicly viewable on an online platform, ensuring transparency and minimising manipulations

3. Benefits to the Nation

Embracing full electoral technology would bring enormous benefits:

Transparency: Election results can no longer be easily tampered with. Citizens and observers can verify results as they are uploaded.

Security: Electronic systems reduce the need for physical ballot transportation, lowering the risk of hijackings and violence.

Efficiency: Results can be declared faster, reducing political tension and conflict.

Cost-Effectiveness: Though initial setup may be expensive, over time, costs will reduce as digital infrastructure is reused.

Inclusiveness: Millions of Nigerians in the diaspora who contribute immensely to the economy will finally have a voice in national decision-making.

Youth Participation: A tech-driven process will attract younger, more tech-savvy voters to participate in civic life.

4. INEC’s Role and the Need for Legislative Support

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shown commendable interest in digitising aspects of the voting process, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and IREV portal. However, there are still legal and logistical constraints preventing full digitisation.

This is why we call on the National Assembly to enact laws that:

Mandate electronic voting and result transmission

Legalise online voting for all eligible citizens, especially in the diaspora

Establish data security protocols and technical standards for election technology

Empower INEC with adequate budgetary support for technological upgrades and training

5. International Best Practices and Our Future

Countries like Estonia, Brazil, India, and Rwanda have successfully implemented digital voting systems. Nigeria, being the largest democracy in Africa, must not lag.

We are a nation of vibrant minds, tech innovators, and a youthful population eager for progress. We cannot continue to rely on outdated electoral systems that are vulnerable to abuse. The future of our democracy depends on our willingness to evolve.

6. A Humble Plea to the Leadership

We, the undersigned citizens of Nigeria, humbly appeal to you, our elected leaders, to prioritise this reform not as a political strategy, but as a legacy-defining initiative. The credibility of our elections determines the credibility of our democracy.

Let it be said that under your leadership, Nigeria entered a new era of digital democracy. Let the 2027 general elections be remembered as the moment when every Nigerian vote truly counted no matter where the voter was located.

Conclusion

We are not asking for the impossible. We are asking for the future we deserve. A future where our votes are protected. A future where our voices are heard. A future where democracy is not just a slogan but a lived experience for every Nigerian.

We thank you for your attention to this matter and respectfully request a formal response or public engagement on the steps being taken towards these reforms.

May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sincerely,

Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo(BOS)

Good Governance Advocate and Concerned Nigerian Citizen