Opposition Party Alleges Senate Blocked Key Electoral Reforms Amid Conflicting Claims
A leading Nigerian opposition party has accused the Senate of rejecting critical amendments aimed at improving election credibility, while the Senate President has denied those claims, creating a public dispute over proposed electoral reforms.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) stated that the Senate refused to approve provisions for the electronic transmission of election results and the online downloading of voter cards. In a statement on Thursday, National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi said the Senate also reduced the election notice period and shortened the timeline for publishing candidates’ lists from 150 days to 60 days. The party argued these changes undermine safeguards against electoral abuse and diminish public trust in the process, urging Nigerians to reject them and calling on a conference committee to overturn the decisions.
“As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the ADC unequivocally condemns this retrogressive action of the Senate,” the statement read, adding that the proposed reforms were intended to enhance the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) efficiency and restore voter confidence.
The allegations follow a rebuttal from Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Wednesday. He directly contradicted claims that the Senate rejected electronic transmission, asserting that Clause 60 of the Electoral Act, which provides for electronic transmission of results, was retained as proposed. “Electronic transmission has always been in our hearts… What we did was to retain the electronic transmission,” Akpabio said, noting the provision was used in the 2020 elections. He advised the public to verify the final votes and proceedings, stating, “This Senate, under my watch, has not rejected electronic transmission of results.”
The conflicting narratives center on amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act, which governs election conduct. The ADC’s criticism focuses on the perceived rollback of measures designed to increase transparency and efficiency, particularly regarding result management and candidate listing timelines. The Senate’s position, as presented by its leadership, is that no such rejection occurred.
These developments occur as Nigeria continues to refine its electoral legal framework amid persistent concerns over the integrity of its voting processes. The final outcome will depend on the recommendations of the Electoral Act Conference Committee, a joint parliamentary body tasked with resolving differences between the Senate and House of Assembly versions of the bill.
The dispute underscores heightened political tensions surrounding electoral reforms ahead of future polls. Public confidence in INEC and the electoral system remains a pivotal issue, with both parties framing their stance as essential for the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
