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INEC Reaffirms Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Electoral Process
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, has declared that Nigeria has effectively resolved the challenge of voter impersonation with the nationwide deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
RELATED: Technology, BVAS and the 2023 elections
Represented by National Commissioner May Agbamuche Mbu at the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibitions hosted by NITDA, Prof. Amupitan said BVAS has become a foolproof safeguard against identity theft, multiple voting, and other electoral malpractices.
He noted,
“The BVAS device has become our frontline defence against identity fraud, ensuring that only the rightful eligible voter can be accredited at the polling unit.”
Strong Performance of BVAS in Anambra Governorship Election
Prof. Amupitan highlighted the efficiency of BVAS in the recent Anambra Governorship election, where all 6,879 devices deployed functioned effectively. More than 99% of polling unit results were uploaded to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) on election day, showcasing improved transparency and real-time reporting.
BVAS and IReV Now Backed by Law
The INEC Chairman reaffirmed that BVAS and IReV are now integral components of Nigeria’s election framework. He referenced Section 47(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, which legally anchors the use of digital accreditation tools.
He explained that the law ensures Nigeria’s digital election technologies have both operational authority and legal legitimacy, making manual accreditation outdated and unreliable.
Connectivity Remains a Major Challenge
Despite BVAS’ success, Prof. Amupitan acknowledged persistent network limitations as a major operational hurdle. With 176,846 polling units located in riverine, mountainous, and remote regions, achieving real-time uploads is still challenging.
“A tool like BVAS is only as good as the network it runs on,” he noted.
INEC is currently working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom operators, and exploring alternative connectivity technologies to close the gap. Prof. Amupitan stressed that manual accreditation will not be reconsidered due to its vulnerability to manipulation.
“The Era of Ghost Voters Is Over” — INEC
Reiterating the Commission’s commitment to advancing election technology, Prof. Amupitan declared that digital reforms will continue to guide Nigeria’s electoral process.
He assured Nigerians that:
- Every eligible voter will be accurately verified,
- Every ballot will be properly counted, and
- Every result will be transparently displayed.
With BVAS and IReV, INEC believes Nigeria has entered a new era of credibility, accountability, and digital transparency in elections.
