ADC Raises Alarm Over New Electoral Law, Vows to Mobilise for Election Transparency
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, vowing to mobilise citizens to protect democratic values. The party alleges the rushed enactment undermines the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.
In a statement on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi accused the president of signing the bill without adequate scrutiny, eroding public trust in the electoral system. The party contended that the speed of the legislative process and presidential approval raised serious questions about the government’s dedication to transparency and accountability.
Central to the ADC’s opposition are specific clauses within the amendment. The party argues the changes introduce legal ambiguities and grant excessive discretionary powers to officials in the collation and transmission of election results. This, they warn, could create avenues for result manipulation and dispute.
“The extraordinary haste with which this amendment was passed and signed raises unavoidable questions,” the statement read, noting the ruling party’s dominant control at federal and state levels. The ADC suggested the government’s actions indicate a reluctance to engage in a fully transparent and competitive electoral process.
A major point of contention is the absence of firm, legally binding guarantees for electronic transmission of results. The ADC cautioned that this gap could heighten tensions during polls, as voters might feel compelled to physically safeguard their votes to prevent discrepancies.
Reaffirming its commitment to Nigeria’s democracy, the ADC declared it is prepared to use “every constitutional and lawful means” to defend electoral integrity. The party pledged to mobilise Nigerians towards vigilance, lawful participation, and unity in protecting constitutional rights during elections.
The statement concluded that no hastily enacted law could suppress the democratic aspirations of Nigerians, insisting the people’s will must ultimately prevail.
Background: Nigeria’s electoral framework has been a subject of continuous debate, with repeated calls for reforms to enhance transparency and reduce disputes. The amendments, once signed into law, will govern procedures for future general elections, making the ADC’s concerns part of a broader national discourse on electoral credibility.
