Public affairs analyst Shehu Mahdi has said Nigeria possesses the capacity to implement real-time electronic transmission of election results, amid ongoing national debate over the issue.

Mahdi made the remarks on Friday during an interview on Arise Television, where he criticised what he described as delays and inconsistencies in the Senate’s handling of the matter.

His comments followed the Senate’s amendment of Section 60 of the Electoral Act on Tuesday, permitting presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Results Viewing Portal (IREV).

Reacting to the development, Mahdi argued that Nigeria has the necessary resources, manpower, financial strength, and infrastructure to support live transmission of election results.

“The Senate is toying with the future of Nigeria. We have the resources and infrastructure to facilitate live transmission of results. Enough of the pretence,” he said.

He described the hesitation over full adoption of real-time transmission as detrimental to democracy and the country’s international image.

Mahdi further questioned claims that Nigeria is not prepared for such technology, noting that federal institutions, including the Federal Executive Council and the National Assembly, have successfully conducted meetings virtually.

“A country that uses Zoom for official engagements is adequately prepared for live transmission of results,” he said, insisting that Nigeria is fully equipped to implement e-transmission in its electoral process.