Senator Natasha Advocates for Mandatory Real-Time Electronic Election Transmission
In a significant development ahead of Nigeria's 2027 general elections, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has intensified her advocacy for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results. The federal lawmaker representing Kogi Central Senatorial District made this position clear during recent Senate debates on amendments to the Electoral Act.
Technological Advancements Eliminate Excuses for Delays
Senator Natasha emphasized that technological limitations can no longer serve as justification for delays or manual interventions in Nigeria's electoral process. She pointed to available satellite internet solutions that could ensure seamless connectivity across all polling units, including remote locations that have historically faced communication challenges during elections.
The senator specifically called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to establish a partnership with satellite internet provider Starlink to guarantee comprehensive coverage throughout the country. This recommendation comes as INEC prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle with a substantial budget allocation of N1.01 trillion for 2026.
"Absolute real-time transmission is possible," Senator Natasha declared. "INEC should partner with Starlink for remote connectivity. Remember, INEC's 2026 budget is N1.01 trillion. Zero excuses."
Environmental Concerns Raised During Budget Defense
In related developments, Senator Natasha also addressed critical environmental issues during a joint budget defense session for the marine transport sector. She questioned Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola about Nigeria's response to persistent oil spills and their impact on the nation's blue-economy ambitions.
The senator highlighted alarming statistics, noting that Nigeria has experienced over 7,000 oil spills since 1958. She expressed concern that despite numerous policy implementations, this environmental crisis continues to plague the Niger Delta region, where farmers and fishermen bear the heaviest burden of ecological degradation.
"Since 1958, Nigeria has suffered over 7,000 oil spills," Senator Natasha stated. "One would have thought that, with the number of policies implemented, this would have become a thing of the past. The Niger Delta region has been severely impacted, and although some cleanup measures have been undertaken, our farmers and fishermen have borne the greatest burden."
Cross-Ministerial Collaboration Required for Environmental Protection
During the budget defense session, Senator Natasha specifically inquired about the ministry's engagement with international oil companies, particularly Shell, regarding cleanup activities in affected coastal communities. She emphasized that environmental protection forms a crucial foundation for Nigeria's marine-based economic aspirations.
"The success of a thriving green-economy initiative is intricately linked to the condition of our waters, waste systems, and oceans," the senator explained. "I therefore need to know how your ministry is engaging the IOCs on the cleanup of oil-polluted areas."
In response, Minister Oyetola acknowledged that oil-spill remediation primarily falls under the mandate of the federal ministry of environment, while stressing the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration. "With regard to oil spillage, it is essentially an environmental matter and falls under the purview of the ministry of environment," Oyetola stated. "However, it is not out of place for us to synergise with the ministry of environment."
Broader Implications for Electoral and Environmental Governance
Tuesday's parliamentary session formed part of the National Assembly's comprehensive review of budgetary allocations to ministries and agencies within the marine transport sector ahead of the 2026 fiscal cycle. Lawmakers are expected to intensify oversight in the coming weeks, with particular focus on environmental compliance, coastal infrastructure development, and maritime security enhancement.
The dual advocacy by Senator Natasha—addressing both electoral transparency and environmental sustainability—highlights the interconnected nature of governance challenges facing Nigeria. Her calls for technological solutions to electoral processes and environmental accountability reflect growing demands for modernization and responsible resource management across multiple sectors of national development.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the debate around electronic transmission of results continues to gain momentum, with stakeholders increasingly looking to technological innovations to enhance electoral integrity and public confidence in democratic processes.
