The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the decision of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led 10th Senate to reject key provisions in the Electoral Act amendment bill, warning that the changes could weaken the credibility of future elections and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party criticised the Senate for refusing to approve electronic transmission of election results and provisions for the electronic download of voter cards, as well as for reducing election notice periods and shortening timelines for the publication of candidates.
“The African Democratic Congress, ADC, strongly condemns the decision of the 10th APC-led Senate to reject critical provisions that would have strengthened the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Foremost among these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results, a move that clearly signals yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of the Nigerian people and manipulate future elections,” Abdullahi argued.
ADC also faulted the Senate’s decision to vote against reforms that would allow electronic downloads of voter cards, reduce election notice periods, and shorten the timeline for publication of candidates, saying the measures could complicate logistics for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“Proposed provisions were intended to provide the necessary safeguards against electoral abuse and to restore voter confidence in the electoral process. But what the Senate has done amounts to tampering with the laws to expand opportunities for rigging and foist logistical nightmares on INEC that will make future elections even less efficient.
“We also call on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submission. We urge the Committee to pass amendments that align with democratic principles that truly reflect the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” the ADC added.
