The Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, has called for the adoption of electronic voting machines in elections across Nigeria, saying the country must embrace technology to strengthen the credibility, transparency and efficiency of its electoral process.
The monarch made the call on Thursday in Kaduna during the official launch of the Kaduna State Independent Electoral Commission (KAD-SIECOM) Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030).
“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 said.
The emir, a former commissioner of KAD-SIECOM, said his conviction was informed by practical experience after participating in study visits to China, Brazil and the United States to understudy electronic voting systems.
He recalled that the Kaduna delegation visited Shenzhen, China, where the machines were manufactured, and later observed elections conducted with the technology in Brazil and the United States.
He said Kaduna has successfully deployed electronic voting machines during his time at the commission, with voting and collation completed within a few hours.
Bamalli said the electronic voting machines were designed to eliminate manipulation, explaining that votes cast were electronically stored at the commission’s headquarters while printed results were immediately available 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.” He said.
Earlier, the Chairman of KAD-SIECOM, Hajara Mohammed, described the strategic plan as more than a policy document, saying it is a governance instrument designed to reposition the commission for excellence, credibility and sustained public trust.
She said the plan responds to both longstanding and emerging challenges in election management, including voter apathy, logistics, legal reforms and the need to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
