ADC warns senate over slow pace of electoral reforms

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has urged the National Assembly to fast-track the passage of the Electoral Bill 2025, cautioning that prolonged delays could jeopardise planned reforms and cast doubt on the credibility of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the APC-controlled Senate of slowing down the legislative process and warned against any attempt to dilute key provisions of the proposed law.

The party expressed particular concern over reforms related to electronic voter accreditation and electronic transmission of results, which it said were central to preventing electoral manipulation.

Reacting to the Senate’s decision to set up an ad hoc committee to harmonise proposed amendments to the Electoral Act, the ADC said the move, though welcome, came dangerously late.

According to the party, unresolved provisions and new compliance requirements in the bill could create confusion for political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“Failure to allow sufficient time to understand the provisions of the new law… has serious consequences for both political parties and the INEC,” the ADC said.

It warned that unclear guidelines could become traps for opposition parties while also limiting INEC’s ability to prepare effectively for the polls.

“Lack of clarity regarding the electoral guidelines would not only serve as booby traps for opposition political parties but also make it difficult for the INEC to prepare adequately,” the statement added.

The party cited existing timelines in the Electoral Act, including the requirement for INEC to issue election notices at least 360 days before a general election, noting that delays had already narrowed the window for implementation.

“The implication is that even now, there is very little room for manoeuvre,” the ADC said.

The party therefore called on lawmakers to act without further delay.

“Any further delays pose a serious risk to the integrity of the 2027 general elections and undermine the integrity of the entire electoral process well in advance. Nigeria cannot afford the cost of another acrimonious or dubious election,” it stated.

The ADC also appealed to civil society groups, international partners and political stakeholders to pressure the National Assembly to conclude work on the bill swiftly.