The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Senate’s decision to reject key provisions of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, warning that the move could weaken transparency and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process. The party said the decision raises concerns about the credibility of future elections.
The Senate had declined a proposed amendment to Clause 70(3) of the bill, which sought to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory. Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the chamber opted to retain the existing provision of the Electoral Act rather than adopt the proposed change.
In a statement on Thursday signed by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the Senate’s action as a setback for democratic reforms. The party faulted the rejection of electronic transmission of results, as well as other proposed measures such as electronic access to voter cards, reduced election notice periods, and a shorter timeline for publishing candidates’ lists, saying they were designed to strengthen safeguards and improve efficiency.
The opposition party accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using its legislative majority to weaken electoral laws and create room for malpractice. It called on Nigerians and the conference committee on the Electoral Act to resist what it described as retrogressive changes and push for amendments that reflect democratic principles and the will of voters.
