PDP Criticises Electoral Act Amendment as Anti-Democratic
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has sharply criticised the National Assembly’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing it as an anti-democratic move that betrays the will of Nigerian voters.
In a statement on Wednesday, PDP spokesman Ini Ememobong accused the legislature of acting against public demand, particularly by removing a clause that mandated electronic transmission of election results from polling units. He argued this reversal undermines electoral transparency and sanctity.
The specific changes, which were passed by both chambers but saw the House of Representatives drop the electronic transmission provision after Senate approval, have drawn fierce condemnation from the opposition party. Ememobong stated the action violates the foundational principle of legislative representation, which he said should mirror the wishes of constituents.
The PDP also objected to new restrictions on political parties, limiting their primary election modes to only direct and consensus methods. The party cited Supreme Court precedents affirming political parties’ autonomy over internal affairs, calling the provision “ultra vires” or beyond the legislature’s legal authority.
Ememobong further described the legislators’ conduct as “brazen” and showing “disdain” for voters. He labelled the官方给出的理由为“weak, illogical, and insulting,” suggesting the only rationale is to “create room for electoral manipulation” ahead of future votes.
The party’s statement concluded with a call to action, urging Nigerians, organised labour, and civil society organisations to lawfully protest what it termed retrogressive actions. It warned that the betrayal would be repaid by voters and stressed that the amendment threatens Nigeria’s hard-won democracy.
The amendment now requires presidential assent to become law. The changes, especially on result transmission and party primaries, are poised to significantly reshape procedures for the 2023 general elections, intensifying debate over electoral integrity and lawmakers’ responsiveness to public demand for technological reforms.
