In a recent interview with ARISE News, Senator Seriake Dickson, a former governor of Bayelsa State representing Bayelsa West, expressed his concerns regarding Nigeria's readiness for electronic voting. He criticized the insistence on real-time transmission of election results, contending that this concept is often misunderstood and currently unnecessary. According to Dickson, Nigeria does not have the infrastructure for electronic voting where votes can be transmitted immediately upon casting, meaning the push for rapid results is premature.

Dickson pointed out that the term 'real time' can be misleading, labeling it as superfluous in the context of Nigeria's electoral process. He articulated that merely having 'real-time' results does not guarantee transparency in the election process. Instead, he suggested that the focus should be on ensuring a genuinely transparent system rather than an expedited one. His statement calls for a re-evaluation of the priorities within the current amendments being proposed for the Electoral Act.

Furthermore, Dickson highlighted that the latest actions of the Senate regarding the Electoral Act Amendment Bill should not be interpreted as a regression in the legislative process but rather as an opportunity to make necessary adjustments to enhance the electoral framework in Nigeria. His insights reflect a cautious but constructive approach to electoral reform, asserting that the goal should be to cultivate a legitimately transparent electoral process rather than a hastily implemented one.