Sam Amadi Warns Against Relying on INEC’s Technology for 2027

Public affairs analyst and former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr. Sam Amadi, has raised an alarm over the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. Speaking on Monday, March 2, 2026, Amadi asserted that "nobody should trust" the commission’s deployment of technology, citing a persistent gap between the digital promises made by the electoral body and the actual reality of results transmission during previous polls.

Amadi’s critique centers on the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). While these tools were introduced to enhance transparency, he argued that they have often been bypassed or manipulated to favor specific political interests. According to the analyst, technology is only as good as the integrity of those managing it, and without significant administrative reforms and a demonstrated commitment to transparency, the digital tools remain "mere window dressing" for flawed processes.

Amadi emphasized that the Nigerian electorate has grown cynical following the controversies of the 2023 elections, where technical glitches were cited as reasons for delays in uploading presidential results. He cautioned that if INEC does not rebuild public trust through concrete actions rather than technical jargon, the 2027 elections could face a crisis of legitimacy before the first ballot is even cast.

In response to these concerns, some civil society organizations have called for an independent audit of INEC's technological infrastructure and a clearer legal framework to mandate the real-time transmission of results. However, supporters of the commission maintain that technology has significantly reduced incidents of ballot snatching and multiple voting. As the debate over electoral reform intensifies, Amadi’s comments highlight a deep-seated anxiety regarding the intersection of technology and political will in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

Do you agree with Sam Amadi that technology cannot be trusted under the current INEC leadership, or do you believe digital tools are still our best hope for fair elections? Share your comments below!

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