The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the APC-led Senate for rejecting real-time transmission of election results in the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Bolaji Abdullahi, national publicity secretary of the ADC, said the decision weakens electoral credibility and exposes an attempt to manipulate future elections.
“Foremost amongst these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results,” Abdullahi said.
“It clearly signals yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of the Nigerian people and manipulate future elections.”
Senate Action Triggers Outrage
The ADC said the Senate deliberately blocked key reforms designed to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system.
It accused lawmakers of rejecting provisions that would have allowed voters to download their voter cards directly from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website.
The party also faulted the Senate for cutting the notice period for elections.
It said lawmakers further weakened the process by slashing the timeline for publishing candidates’ names from 150 days to 60 days.
“These provisions would have safeguarded the process and restored voter confidence,” the party said.
“Instead, the Senate chose to weaken them.”
ADC Accuses APC of Legislative Tampering
The ADC accused the ruling party of exploiting its majority in the national assembly to alter electoral laws for political advantage.
“The senate tampered with the law to expand opportunities for rigging,” the statement said.
“It also imposed avoidable logistical burdens on INEC.”
The party said the APC used its numbers to prepare the ground for electoral malpractice.
“The net effect is a calculated assault on the integrity of future elections,” it added.
The ADC said widespread hardship under the current administration has made the ruling party afraid of transparent elections.
“The APC fears free and fair elections,” the statement said.
“No one expected it to go this far in mutilating Nigeria’s electoral laws.”
How the Senate Reached Its Decision
On Wednesday, the Senate passed the Electoral Act Amendment Bill after a five-hour clause-by-clause deliberation.
During the session, lawmakers voted down a provision that would have made real-time transmission of results from polling units mandatory.
Instead, the Senate retained electronic transmission as provided under the 2022 Electoral Act.
Akpabio Pushes Back
Senate President Godswill Akpabio later rejected claims that the Senate removed electronic transmission from the law.
He said lawmakers merely retained the existing framework used during the 2023 general election.
ADC Calls for Resistance
The ADC urged Nigerians to reject what it described as a dangerous setback for democracy.
“At this critical moment, Nigerians must hold the APC accountable,” the party said.
It also called on the conference committee on the Electoral Act to discard the Senate’s version of the bill.
“We urge the committee to pass amendments that uphold democratic principles and reflect the will of the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
