Senate rejection of electronic transmission of results sparks ADC outrage

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Nigerian Senate for rejecting key clauses in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.

It says this  decision undermines the transparency, credibility, and integrity of elections in the country.

The controversy centres on a proposed amendment to Clause 70, Subsection 3, which sought to make the electronic transmission of election results mandatory. The Senate, however, opted to retain the existing provisions.

But President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the chamber did not outrightly dismiss the proposal but preferred to maintain the status quo in the law.

In a statement on Thursday, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi described the Senate’s action as “a deliberate attempt to weaken democratic safeguards and prepare the ground for electoral manipulation ahead of future elections.”

The opposition party expressed particular concern over the rejection of electronic transmission of results, calling it crucial for protecting the voters’ will.

“Foremost amongst these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results, a move that clearly signals yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of the Nigerian people and manipulate future elections,” the statement read.

The ADC also condemned the Senate’s refusal to approve other reforms, including the electronic download of voter cards from INEC’s website, shortening the notice period for elections, and reducing the timeline for candidate publication from 150 days to 60 days.

“Proposed provisions were intended to provide the necessary safeguards against electoral abuse and to restore voter confidence in the electoral process,” the party noted.

The statement accused the Senate of deliberately manipulating the law to create opportunities for malpractice and impose logistical challenges on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“What the Senate has done amounts to tampering with the laws to expand opportunities for rigging and foist logistical nightmares on INEC that will make future elections even less efficient,” it added.

According to the ADC, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) exploited its parliamentary majority to weaken electoral legislation.

“The net sum of this disgraceful action is that the APC has exploited its majority status in the National Assembly to tamper with the law and lay the ground for all manner of malpractice,” the party said.

The opposition further claimed the ruling party’s actions stem from a fear of free and fair elections, suggesting the APC seeks to cling to power through legislative manipulation.

“By rejecting critical reforms meant to improve the conduct of elections, the APC has betrayed its lack of confidence and has shown its desire to cling to power by all means, including by legislative tampering,” the statement emphasised.

The ADC called on Nigerians to hold the ruling party accountable for undermining democracy.

“At this critical moment, all well-meaning Nigerians must hold the APC accountable for actions that continue to weaken democracy and erode public trust in our electoral system. As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the ADC unequivocally condemns this retrogressive act of the Nigerian Senate and calls on all Nigerians to reject it.

“We call on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submission and urge the Committee to pass amendments that align with democratic principles that truly reflect the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” it concluded.