BVAS Works Offline on Election Day, Internet Only Needed for Result Transmission — Mahmood Yakubu Clarifies
Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, has clarified that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) operates independently of internet connectivity on election day.
His clarification surfaced in a widely circulated video obtained by PulseNets, coming amid renewed public concerns over how poor network coverage in several parts of Nigeria could affect the integrity of elections.
Yakubu explained that the BVAS device is designed to function offline during the accreditation process at polling units nationwide.
“The machine on election day does not require internet for upload, it works offline,” he stated.
He further noted that internet access becomes necessary only after voting concludes, specifically during the electronic transmission of results. According to the former INEC chairman, presiding officers scan the polling unit result sheet with the BVAS device and transmit it once they move into areas with available network coverage.
“When it comes to transmission of results, that’s where it needs network but if there is no network in the immediate vicinity, the scanned image of polling unit level result which is taken using BVAS will be transmitted as soon as the staff move from the polling unit to the collation centre,” Yakubu said.
PulseNets learnt that INEC has also been collaborating with telecommunications providers to address persistent network blind spots in remote communities.
“And we are working with telecommunications companies and we are satisfied that there are blind spots that can be addressed,” he added.
Yakubu’s remarks come against the backdrop of sustained debate over the credibility of electronic result transmission in Nigeria’s electoral process. The BVAS system was introduced to enhance election transparency through biometric voter accreditation and the electronic upload of polling unit results to the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV).
Despite these reforms, previous general elections were marked by complaints of network disruptions, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. Those technical challenges later formed the basis of multiple election petitions and political disputes.
By clarifying the operational framework of BVAS, Yakubu sought to reassure Nigerians that the voting and accreditation process itself is not dependent on internet connectivity, and that only the post-voting transmission stage requires network access.
Meanwhile, electoral controversy has deepened following recent amendments to the Electoral Act by the National Assembly. PulseNets reported that the Senate revised Section 60 of the Act to formally allow electronic transmission of results to IREV, while also approving a provision that prioritises manual result sheets where electronic upload fails.
Under the amended provision, presiding officers are mandated to attempt electronic transmission of results after voting. However, where upload proves unsuccessful due to network challenges, Form EC8A will serve as the authoritative document for collation and declaration.
The legislative adjustment has drawn criticism from civil society organisations and opposition leaders who argue that the amendment could undermine election transparency and accountability.
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Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, spoke to PulseNets during a protest at the National Assembly organised under the #OccupyNASS banner. He accused lawmakers of deliberately creating procedural loopholes.
“We know why they are doing it. These people cannot win in free and fair elections. But the people have a duty to demand processes that guarantee free, legal and transparent elections,” he stated.
As discussions around the Electoral Act amendment, BVAS functionality, and electronic transmission of results continue, stakeholders across Nigeria’s political landscape remain divided over how best to safeguard the credibility of future elections.
