Electoral Act: Okonkwo slams Akpabio, calls for his removal

Kenneth Okonkwo, a prominent chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has strongly criticized Senate President Godswill Akpabio over the recently passed Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

Okonkwo described Akpabio as an “enemy of democracy” and called for his removal if he refuses to resign.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television on Sunday in Abuja, Okonkwo expressed deep concern about the Senate’s handling of the bill. He said:

“Senator Godswill Akpabio is trying to maintain provisions that the Supreme Court has clearly warned against.

This is a direct threat to democracy because it encourages manipulation, election rigging, and subterfuge. If he does not step down voluntarily, he should be removed from office.”

The Electoral Act Amendment Bill recently passed its third reading in the Senate amid debates over the electronic transmission of election results. Clause 60 (30) of the bill focuses on how election results are electronically transmitted to ensure transparency and credibility.

On Wednesday, the Senate decided to retain the existing provision for electronic transfer of results as outlined in the 2022 Electoral Act.

However, lawmakers rejected proposals for real-time transmission of results and a 10-year ban on vote-buyers. Instead, they opted to maintain penalties such as fines and imprisonment for electoral offenses.

Okonkwo’s remarks add to growing public debate over the bill, which has faced criticism from civil society groups and political observers who fear it could undermine the credibility of future elections if not properly implemented.