***Calls for Transparent, Tamper-Proof Transmission of Results
Renowned legal scholar and former jurist, Justice Nathaniel Ajileye, has called on the National Assembly to adopt Blockchain technology as a tool to secure Nigeria’s electoral system, describing it as the most reliable means to prevent hacking, manipulation, and loss of public confidence in election results.
Speaking at a public hearing organized by the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters on the Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act, 2025, Justice Ajileye said Blockchain could revolutionize how results are transmitted and stored, ensuring they remain transparent, traceable, and tamper-proof.
“Blockchain technology is a structure that stores transactional records in several databases — the ‘chain’ — connected through peer-to-peer nodes,” he explained. “By using a decentralized, immutable ledger, election results can be recorded and verified in a tamper-proof manner, ensuring they cannot be altered or manipulated once transmitted.”
He emphasized that Blockchain eliminates the vulnerabilities of traditional electronic transmission systems, which are often susceptible to cyberattacks and digital manipulation by what he described as “virtual bandits.”
Justice Ajileye maintained that embedding Blockchain into Nigeria’s electoral framework would enhance transparency, accountability, and voter trust, thereby strengthening democracy.
“One of the greatest fears about electronic transmission of results is the risk of hacking,” he noted. “Blockchain decentralizes data, making it nearly impossible for anyone to alter or falsify results. It is time for Nigeria to embrace this innovation.”
His proposal comes amid growing calls for comprehensive electoral reform as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. Stakeholders across political and civil society circles have been urging the National Assembly to introduce digital safeguards that would restore public faith in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Justice Ajileye’s presentation has since ignited renewed debate about the integration of emerging technologies in election management. The Joint Committee is expected to review all submissions and make recommendations to the National Assembly as part of its ongoing amendment process.
Observers believe that the adoption of Blockchain technology could become a turning point in Nigeria’s quest for credible, transparent, and verifiable elections.
