The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining democracy following the National Assembly’s passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill.
In a statement on Wednesday, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi condemned the process, describing the ruling party’s conduct as a troubling level of impunity that threatens democratic institutions. He warned that such actions must not lead to “the death of our democracy.”
Abdullahi’s remarks, posted on the social media platform X, highlighted a perceived contradiction: the APC controls nearly all state governorships yet appears apprehensive about a free and fair electoral process. “Almost all the governors are in their party, yet they are afraid of a free and fair election,” he stated.
He further asserted that Nigerians would resist any drift toward tyranny, drawing parallels to past political challenges the nation has overcome. “Nigerians will never surrender to tyranny. We have seen this before,” he added.
The controversy centers on the recent amendment to the electoral legal framework, a document critical to regulating Nigeria’s election cycles. The bill now requires presidential assent to become law. The ADC’s criticism reflects ongoing political tensions surrounding electoral integrity and the balance of power in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
The ADC’s statement positions the party as a defender of transparent electoral processes amid concerns about procedural transparency in the legislature. Observers note that amendments to the Electoral Act are closely watched for their potential impact on voter participation, campaign regulations, and result collation procedures.
Analysts suggest the public debate underscores deeper anxieties about political competition and institutional independence as Nigeria approaches future general elections. The ADC’s intervention adds to the discourse on ensuring legal frameworks bolster, rather than weaken, democratic accountability.
The outcome of the bill’s assent and subsequent implementation will likely remain a focal point for political engagement and civil society scrutiny in the coming months.
