The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has denounced the 10th Senate, which is run by the APC, for rejecting important changes to the Electoral Act that would have increased the credibility of upcoming elections and improved the effectiveness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s publicity secretary, described the action as an intentional attempt to weaken Nigeria’s democracy in a statement.
The Senate’s rejection of measures permitting the electronic download of voter cards and its reluctance to authorize the electronic transmission of election results are explicitly criticized.
The decision to substantially shorten the timelines for the publication of the list of candidates and shorten the notice periods is also condemned by the ADC.
The ADC claims that despite its current political dominance, these actions reveal the ruling party’s fear of free and fair elections in 2027.
In light of this, the party urges the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reverse the Senate’s ruling and enact changes that represent democratic values and the wishes of the Nigerian people.
The complete statement says: “The 10th APC-led Senate’s decision to reject important provisions that would have improved the legitimacy, openness, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process is strongly condemned by the African Democratic Congress (ADC).”
“The most important of them is the denial of the electronic transmission of election results, which obviously indicates another attempt by the APC to subvert the Nigerian people’s will and rig future elections.
Additionally, the Senate voted against important measures that would have shortened the time frame for candidate publication from 150 days to 60 days, decreased the notice period for elections, and permitted the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website.
These suggested clauses were meant to restore voter trust in the electoral process and offer the essential protections against electoral fraud. In order to make future elections even less effective, the Senate has instead decided to alter the law in a way that increases the possibility of election tampering and places significant logistical burdens on INEC.
“The APC has used its overwhelming position in the National Assembly to alter the law and create the conditions for widespread electoral malpractice as a result of this shameful move.
Because of the immense suffering it has caused to common people, Nigerians are fully aware that the APC is terrified to hold free and fair elections. But none anticipated that the party would go so far in dismantling the country’s electoral regulations.
“By rejecting important reforms intended to enhance election conduct, the APC has shown its lack of confidence and its resolve to hold onto power at all costs, including through legislative tampering.”
“All well-meaning Nigerians must hold the APC responsible for its activities that continue to undermine democracy and destroy public confidence in the electoral process at this crucial juncture.
As the main opposition party in Nigeria, the ADC categorically denounces this backward move by the Nigerian Senate and urges all Nigerians to reject it.
“We also urge the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s proposal and adopt amendments that genuinely represent the aspirations and will of the Nigerian people and are consistent with democratic principles.”
