Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to partner with Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, to guarantee seamless real-time electronic transmission of election results.
In a statement posted on her Facebook page on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the senator emphasized that technological barriers, such as poor network coverage in remote areas should no longer hinder credible elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.
“Absolute real-time transmission is possible. INEC should partner with Starlink for remote connectivity. Remember, INEC’s 2026 budget is ₦1.01 trillion. Zero excuses,” she declared.
Her call comes in the wake of recent Senate amendments to the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026. While the updated legislation now requires presiding officers at polling units to electronically transmit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV), critics argue it falls short of making full mandatory real-time transmission enforceable in all circumstances.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has consistently advocated for stronger electoral reforms, highlighted Starlink’s satellite-based connectivity as a game-changer. The service, already operational in Nigeria despite initial regulatory hurdles, provides high-speed internet even in underserved or off-grid locations, potentially eliminating excuses related to infrastructure limitations.
With INEC allocated a massive ₦1.01 trillion budget for preparations toward future elections, the senator insisted there is “zero excuse” for failing to implement foolproof, transparent result collation and transmission.
Her position has sparked mixed reactions online: supporters praise it as forward-thinking and practical, while some skeptics question the feasibility of relying on a private foreign-owned service for national electoral processes.
The renewed push for tech-driven reforms aligns with broader public demands for greater election integrity, following years of controversies over result manipulation and delays in transmission.
This development adds to the ongoing national conversation on modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system to build trust in the democratic process.
