The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has strongly asserted that the country's telecommunications infrastructure is fully capable of supporting real-time electronic transmission of election results, dismissing claims of inadequate coverage as unfounded and misleading.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of ALTON—the umbrella body representing major operators including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and T2 Mobile—made the declaration in statements published on February 17, 2026. Speaking to news outlets, Adebayo challenged assertions from some quarters, particularly in the Senate, that Nigeria's telecom network lacks the necessary reach and reliability for seamless e-transmission during elections.
Adebayo emphasized that any credible assessment of national telecom coverage must come from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the sector's regulatory authority. He questioned the basis of contrary claims: "Upon which survey or statistics is the Senate coming up with its position of inadequate telecom infrastructure?" He noted current coverage statistics: over 70% of the country enjoys 3G and 4G services, with 5G at approximately 11%, and the remainder on 2G networks.
"Even in reality, 2G is strong enough to transmit results electronically," Adebayo stated. He argued that election result data packets are small in size and can be reliably sent over low-bandwidth connections, including basic 2G networks, without requiring high-speed broadband everywhere. This aligns with expert views that e-transmission demands only basic data connectivity—already widespread through GSM networks—rather than universal 5G or fiber-optic access.
The telcos' position directly contradicts recent Senate arguments during debates on the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2026. Some lawmakers have cited concerns over network gaps, power instability, and potential disenfranchisement in remote or underserved areas as reasons to oppose mandatory real-time transmission under Clause 60(3). The Senate has defended its cautious stance as data-driven and protective of electoral integrity, warning that forcing unfeasible provisions could lead to crises.
Adebayo's remarks come amid renewed controversy over electronic result transmission, an issue that has lingered since the 2023 general elections and the 2022 Electoral Act amendments. INEC has previously maintained that transmission is feasible, with fallback options for areas facing network challenges, such as manual uploads or physical delivery where connectivity is disrupted.
Industry analysts and digital governance experts have echoed ALTON's view, pointing out that major operators continue to invest heavily in network expansion, modernization, and upgrades. These include laying thousands of kilometers of fiber-optic cables, enhancing backbone capacity, and improving power systems to support reliable service even in challenging environments.
The debate is particularly timely as Nigeria prepares for future elections, including potential off-cycle polls and the buildup to 2027. Proponents of mandatory e-transmission argue it enhances transparency, reduces tampering risks, and builds public trust—benefits demonstrated in countries with similar or less advanced infrastructure.
ALTON's statement reinforces the telecom sector's readiness to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders to ensure credible elections. Adebayo urged reliance on verified data from the NCC rather than unsubstantiated claims, warning against decisions based on "half-truths" about infrastructure investments.
As legislative discussions continue in the National Assembly, including stalled joint committee meetings between the Senate and House of Representatives, the telecom operators' assurance highlights a growing divide between technical feasibility and political caution. The outcome could shape how Nigeria balances innovation in electoral processes with safeguards for inclusivity and reliability.
With ongoing network expansions and the sector's proven track record in handling high-volume data traffic (such as mobile money transactions and digital services), experts maintain that real-time e-transmission is not only possible but increasingly practical across most of the country.
