- The ADC accused the APC-led Senate of deliberately obstructing electoral reforms designed to enhance transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s elections
- Proposed measures included electronic transmission of results, e-download of voter cards, and shorter timelines for election notices and candidate publications
- The opposition warned that rejecting reforms could facilitate malpractice, urging Nigerians to hold the APC accountable and restore public confidence in the vote
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-led Senate of deliberately obstructing efforts to strengthen transparency and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process, following the upper chamber’s rejection of key proposed reforms.
The allegation was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdulahi, who described the Senate’s actions as evidence of the ruling party’s fear of free and fair elections.
The reforms under discussion included electronic transmission of election results, electronic download of voter cards from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) website, a reduction in election notice periods, and a shortened timeline for the publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days. According to the ADC, these measures were designed to prevent electoral malpractice and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s voting system.
“The proposed provisions were intended to provide safeguards against electoral abuse and restore voter confidence,” the statement said. “But the Senate’s action amounts to tampering with the law, creating opportunities for rigging and imposing logistical challenges on INEC that could weaken future elections.”
The opposition party accused the APC of exploiting its majority in the National Assembly to entrench malpractice, warning that the party’s aversion to free and fair elections is shaping legislative decisions. “By rejecting reforms meant to improve election conduct, the APC has shown its desire to cling to power by all means,” the statement added.
The ADC further called on Nigerians to hold the APC accountable for what it described as deliberate subversion of democratic principles. It also urged the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submissions and amend the law in a way that reflects the will of the Nigerian people.
The statement concluded with an appeal for the urgent passage of reforms that would ensure greater transparency, strengthen voter confidence, and prevent manipulation of the electoral process, warning that failure to do so could further undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
This development adds to growing tensions around electoral reforms in Nigeria, with opposition parties increasingly vocal about perceived attempts by the ruling party to consolidate power through legislative and institutional mechanisms.