The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, has urged Nigeria to adopt electronic voting machines for all elections, saying technology will make the electoral process more transparent, credible and efficient.
He made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during the launch of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
The traditional ruler said Nigeria should move away from manual voting.
“I am still one of those Nigerians that believe Nigeria needs to move forward. As against manual election, electronic voting machine should be used in every election in Nigeria.”
Bamalli, who previously served as a commissioner at KAD-SIECOM, said his support for electronic voting is based on experience.
He said during his study visits to China, Brazil and the United States, he observed how electronic voting systems work.
According to him, the Kaduna delegation visited Shenzhen in China, where the machines were produced, before watching elections conducted with the technology in Brazil and the US.
He also said Kaduna successfully used electronic voting machines during his time at the commission, allowing voting and result collation to be completed within a few hours.
The emir explained that the system helps prevent manipulation because votes are stored electronically at the commission’s headquarters while printed results are immediately given to party agents at polling units.
“So I’m still appealing that SIECOM should look at that. It’s a colossal investment, and should champion it.”
Speaking at the event, KAD-SIECOM Chairman Hajara Mohammed said the commission’s new five-year strategic plan was intended to improve its performance, strengthen public confidence and ensure credible elections.
She said the plan addresses key issues affecting election management, including voter apathy, logistics, legal reforms and efforts to build greater trust in the electoral process.