AEO Launches Election Tracker, Highlights Gains and Gaps in August 16 By-Elections

The Athena Election Observatory (AEO) has released the first edition of its Election Tracker, a new series of real-time updates and analyses designed to provide Nigerians and the international community with independent insights during elections.

In its inaugural update, issued on Sunday, August 18, 2025, the Observatory reviewed the August 16 by-elections held across 12 states, noting progress in transparency through the use of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) Result Viewing Portal (IReV), while also flagging persistent shortcomings that threaten public confidence in the process.

According to the AEO, notable improvements were recorded in the timely upload of polling unit results. Oyo and Jigawa states achieved 100 per cent uploads by Sunday, while Kaduna, Edo, Ogun and the Anambra Senatorial District exceeded 95 per cent completion. The Observatory described this as “a positive shift towards greater transparency,” allowing citizens and observers to independently verify results.

Despite these gains, the report highlighted poor performance in some states. Kano (2 per cent in Tsanyawa/Kunchi), Enugu (6 per cent in Enugu South), and Zamfara (39 per cent in Kaura Namoda) were cited as lagging behind, raising concerns about the uneven application of the system. The AEO warned that such disparities undermine confidence and called for stronger compliance mechanisms.

The AEO stressed that while the upload of polling unit results has improved transparency, Nigeria must go further to consolidate electoral integrity. It urged INEC to upload ward collation results to enable stakeholders to track aggregation of figures, and to publish Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) accreditation reports on IReV to validate turnout and provide an additional layer of verification.

“These by-elections prove that Nigeria has the tools for transparent elections,” the Observatory stated. “What is needed now is uniform application, expanded transparency beyond polling units, and stronger institutional accountability.”

The AEO concluded its report by urging INEC to mandate the complete upload of polling unit results, ward collation figures, and BVAS accreditation reports to ensure integrity and build trust in the electoral process.

The Election Tracker, according to the Observatory, will be a continuing series providing early, independent information, flagging irregularities, highlighting improvements, and recommending corrective action for INEC, security agencies, political parties, and observers.

Sarah Eke, Programme Lead of the Athena Election Observatory, affirmed the initiative’s commitment to being “a reliable, authoritative voice in Nigeria’s democratic journey, strengthening transparency and public trust in every election cycle.”