 has issued a strong follow-up statement distancing itself from earlier optimism over the Electoral Amendment Bill recently passed by the){kind=link}
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a strong follow-up statement distancing itself from earlier optimism over the Electoral Amendment Bill recently passed by the 10th Senate, warning that controversial provisions in the legislation could undermine real-time transmission of election results.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party clarified that its initial reaction was based on early media reports suggesting that the Senate had guaranteed real-time electronic transmission of results — a reform long demanded by civil society groups and opposition parties.
However, the ADC said subsequent details revealed that the Bill contains discretionary clauses that may weaken the guarantee and potentially open the door to manipulation during the transmission and collation of results.
“The credibility of elections rests not on assurances but on clear, unambiguous legal guarantees,” the party stated, stressing that any ambiguity or technical loophole capable of abuse cannot be accepted in good conscience.
Call for Urgent Review
The party urged the National Assembly to immediately revisit the contentious provisions and align the final version of the Bill with earlier Conference Committee recommendations that reportedly called for mandatory electronic transmission of results without exceptions.
According to the ADC, only a law that unequivocally mandates real-time electronic transmission — free from discretionary powers that could be exploited — will command public trust and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.
The Electoral Amendment Bill, passed by the 10th Senate, has sparked fresh debate across political circles, with stakeholders scrutinizing whether the legislation truly safeguards electoral integrity or leaves room for subjective interpretation by authorities.
The ADC maintained that transparent, credible, and verifiable elections remain non-negotiable pillars of democratic governance. It pledged to stand with Nigerians in defending reforms that protect the sanctity of the ballot.
As public discourse intensifies, attention now turns to whether lawmakers will heed the party’s call and amend the legislation before it becomes law — a decision that could shape the future credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
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