INEC Can Choose How to Transmit Election Results, Tribunal Says

The Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT), which convened in Abuja, has made a significant decision. They have determined that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the freedom to choose how it transmits election results.

Justice Haruna Simon Tsammani, the tribunal’s chairman, shared this ruling on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. According to his statement, Sections 52 and 65 of the Electoral Act grant INEC the authority to decide the method of transmitting election results.

“By the provision of Section 52 and Section 65 of the Electoral Act, INEC is at liberty to prescribe the manner in which result can be transmitted. INEC cannot be compelled to electronically transmit result,” he said.

The ruling was made in response to a petition filed by Peter Obi of the Labour Party, who challenged the election of President Bola Tinubu. Obi had argued that INEC had reneged on its promise to transmit election results electronically.