The opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu’s rapid approval of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, asserting the move undermines efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes.
In a statement released on Thursday, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the president of signing a bill that would compromise the credibility of future elections. The party questioned the urgency of the process, noting widespread public objections to the amendments were seemingly ignored.
The statement argued that rather than enhancing transparency, the amended law introduces significant ambiguity and grants excessive discretionary powers in the collation and transmission of election results. This, the ADC warned, could erode public trust in the electoral system.
The opposition party further challenged the rationale behind the haste, pointing to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s dominant control of over 30 state governments and its majority in the National Assembly. “Such urgency suggests a lack of confidence in facing a transparent and competitive electoral process,” the statement read, adding that the leadership appears fearful of the electorate’s verdict in a free election.
The ADC expressed particular concern that without firm guarantees for electronic transmission and transparency, the changes could heighten tensions during voting and result collation in upcoming polls.
While condemning the process, the party affirmed it would pursue all constitutional and lawful avenues to defend Nigeria’s democracy. It pledged to mobilise citizens for vigilance and lawful participation to safeguard electoral integrity, insisting that the popular will must prevail.
The amendment’s swift passage, from legislative approval to presidential assent, has drawn criticism from civil society and other opposition figures who advocate for deeper reforms to ensure electronic voting and result transmission are enshrined in law. The ADC’s reaction underscores mounting political tension over the legal framework governing Nigeria’s next general elections, scheduled for 2027.
