- The African Democratic Congress criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over comments about opposition reactions to Senate legislation
- Akpabio had said criticism from opposition parties over the proposed Electoral Act 2026 reassured him that the Senate had taken the correct step
- The ADC argued that the remark revealed the amendment was designed to benefit the ruling party and weaken electoral accountability
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over comments suggesting that opposition criticism of laws passed by the Senate excites him and confirms he has done the right thing.
Akpabio made the remark on Saturday while speaking at a reception organised for Remi Tinubu, the wife of President Bola Tinubu, in Uyo. During his address, the Senate President dismissed objections raised by opposition parties regarding the proposed Electoral Act 2026.
According to Akpabio, whenever the Senate enacts legislation and the opposition expresses dissatisfaction, he feels encouraged that the lawmakers have taken the correct step.
However, the ADC described the comment as troubling and indicative of the motivations behind the controversial legislation.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC argued that Akpabio’s remarks suggested that the Electoral Act amendment was designed primarily to serve the interests of the ruling party and the presidency.
“The African Democratic Congress has taken note of the recent comments credited to the Senate President, His Excellency Godswill Akpabio, in which he dismissed the opposition’s complaints about the 2026 Electoral Act as evidence that he and the Senate he leads have made the right laws,” the statement read.
The party warned that such a stance undermines democratic principles and weakens confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
Abdullahi criticised certain provisions of the proposed legislation, claiming they were structured to shield wrongdoing, weaken opposition parties and erode public trust in the democratic process.
Of particular concern, he said, was a provision that removes certificate forgery as a valid ground for challenging election results in court.
According to the ADC, such provisions could have far-reaching consequences for electoral accountability and political integrity in the country.
“The embedded logic of this statement exposes the subterfuge behind the entire business of the Electoral Amendment,” Abdullahi added.
“It was all designed to make the ruling party and the President happy.”
The party further warned that Akpabio could face harsh judgement from history for his role in pushing through the 2026 Electoral Act with controversial provisions that critics say weaken electoral transparency.
The debate over the Electoral Act amendment has continued to generate strong reactions from political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders who argue that any changes to electoral laws should strengthen, rather than undermine, democratic governance.