INEC Warn Digital Tools Must Not Undermine Result Declaration as SEAT Tracker Debuts

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday reaffirmed its exclusive constitutional mandate to collate and declare election results.

Warning that emerging digital reporting tools must not undermine its authority, the commission cautioned against the spread of misinformation in the electoral space.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, gave the warning at the launch of the Electoral Accountability Tracker (SEAT) in Abuja by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.

Olumekun said while technology has opened new frontiers for citizen engagement, it also presents risks that must be carefully managed.

Olumekun reiterated that INEC remains the only authority legally empowered to collate and declare election results, stressing that initiatives such as the tracker should complement, not undermine, the Commission’s constitutional role.

“It is imperative that all users of such platforms are guided by the principles of accuracy, responsibility and respect for the rule of law. Let me reiterate that by law, INEC remains the sole authority and power to collate and officially declare election results.

“The Commission is committed to continuous improvement in the electoral process through innovation, stakeholder engagement such as this and adherence to the legal framework”, he said.

Olumekun noted that digital platforms could be exploited to spread unverified claims, warning that users must be guided by accuracy, responsibility and respect for the rule of law.

He said: “The introduction of the election accountability tracker and its complementary mobile application is a work of development. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement and increasing demand for transparency, digital tools such as seats provide an avenue for citizens to actively engage in governance.

“By enabling return reporting and long-term tracking of electoral reforms, the platform represents an important step towards institutional accountability. However, as we embrace technology, we must also exercise caution. The same digital field that enables participation can also be exploited for the spread of misinformation and unverified claims.

He, however, commended the Situation Room for what he described as a timely initiative that would deepen transparency, strengthen accountability, and promote citizen engagement in the electoral process.

The SEAT platform, which comprises a web-based tracker and a mobile application, is designed to enable real-time reporting of electoral incidents by citizens while also tracking the implementation of recommendations from past elections.

Convener of the Situation Room, Y. Z. Ya’u, said the platform was developed to address gaps in electoral accountability, noting that election credibility goes beyond activities on polling day.

According to him, the tracker aggregates recommendations from election observers, monitors stakeholder compliance, and provides periodic reports to drive reforms, while the mobile application empowers citizens to report incidents in real time.

“Election credibility does not begin and end on election day. It is shaped by actions taken before, during and after the polls,” he said.

Ya’u added that the platform would be used to demand greater transparency from institutions, including INEC, particularly on preparedness for the 2027 elections.

On his part, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, raise concerns over INEC’s timetable for the 2027 elections, warning that the compressed schedule for party primaries could undermine credible political competition.

He argued that the timeline, as currently structured, places undue pressure on political parties and risks weakening internal democracy.

Noting that if there is no credible contest, there will be no credible election, he said democratic integrity depends on allowing parties sufficient time to conduct transparent and competitive primaries.

Nwankwo also decried what he described as growing practices of candidate imposition across political parties, warning that such trends threaten the essence of democratic choice.

Speaking, National Treasurer of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Dr. Dipo Olayoku, said political parties were increasingly concerned about developments in the electoral process, noting that current conditions could affect the competitiveness of the 2027 elections.

He stressed the need for a level playing field, urging all stakeholders to work towards ensuring a credible and inclusive electoral process.

Speaking on the role of security agencies, Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, said the Nigeria Police Force would leverage the platform to enhance election monitoring and response.

He emphasised the importance of credible reporting, recommending that the application incorporate location-tracking features to ensure authenticity of reports and prevent false claims.

Also speaking, Governance Adviser at the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ayibakuro Matthew, said the initiative reflects a growing recognition that democratic accountability requires active citizen engagement beyond election day.

He noted that the success of the platform would depend on trust, transparency and responsible use of information by all stakeholders.