The African Democratic Congress has condemned the Senate’s decision to reject key provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the move undermines the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Senate declined a proposed amendment to Clause 70, Subsection 3 of the bill, which would have made the electronic transmission of election results mandatory. Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the chamber did not outrightly reject the proposal but chose to maintain the current provision in the Electoral Act.
In a statement on Thursday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi described the Senate’s action as a deliberate attempt to weaken democratic safeguards and create opportunities for electoral manipulation. The party specifically faulted the rejection of electronic transmission of results, which it said is critical to protecting the will of Nigerian voters.
The opposition party also criticised the Senate for voting against other reforms, including electronic download of voter cards, reduced election notice periods, and shortening the timeline for publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days. ADC said these provisions were intended to strengthen safeguards and restore public confidence in the electoral system.
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ADC accused the Senate of tampering with the law to expand opportunities for rigging and impose logistical challenges on the Independent National Electoral Commission. The party further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress exploited its majority in the National Assembly to weaken electoral laws and secure continued political dominance.
The party called on Nigerians to hold the APC accountable and urged the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submission and pass amendments that align with democratic principles and reflect the will of the people.