**INEC: The Last Hope for a Transparent Election Process in Nigeria** As the 2027 general election draws near, Nigerians are anxiously waiting to see if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be able to resist pressure from those who seek to undermine the electoral process. Recent developments in the National Assembly have raised concerns about the integrity of the election, and the role of INEC in ensuring a free and fair process. The National Assembly's refusal to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory has sparked widespread criticism. Despite warnings from opposition parties, civil society organizations, and international observers, lawmakers opted to include a provision that allows presiding officers to manually collate results in areas where internet connectivity is poor. This decision has been met with skepticism, as many fear that manual collation can lead to manipulation and undermine the credibility of the election. The controversy surrounding the Electoral Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2026 is a stark reminder of the challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The National Assembly's decision to ignore expert opinions from telecommunication companies and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has raised questions about their commitment to using technology to improve the electoral process. President Bola Tinubu's swift assent to the bill has further complicated the situation. Former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC, Mike Igini, had warned that the bill could undermine Nigeria's democracy, and his concerns have been echoed by many Nigerians who are eager to see a transparent and accountable electoral process. As the last hope for a transparent election process in Nigeria, INEC has a critical role to play in ensuring that the 2027 general election is free and fair. With the National Assembly's decision to allow manual collation of results in areas with poor internet connectivity, INEC must be vigilant in preventing manipulation and ensuring that results are accurately reflected. The success of INEC in this regard will depend on its ability to resist pressure from those who seek to undermine the electoral process and its commitment to using technology to improve the electoral process. In conclusion, the refusal of the National Assembly to make electronic transmission of election results compulsory has left INEC as the last hope for a transparent election process in Nigeria. As the 2027 general election approaches, Nigerians are watching closely to see if INEC will be able to resist pressure from those who seek to undermine the electoral process and ensure a free and fair election.