The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has voiced its disapproval regarding the Senate's rejection of proposals for electronic results transmission and electronic downloads of voter cards, asserting that such decisions compromise electoral integrity.
The ADC urged the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reverse the Senate's decision and advance amendments that uphold democratic principles and the will of the Nigerian populace.
The party criticized the Senate for denying approval for electronic transmission of election results and opposing provisions for electronic voter card downloads. Additionally, it expressed concerns about the shortening of election notice periods and the timeline for candidate nominations.
This response came in light of the 10th Senate's rejection of essential reforms within the Electoral Act designed to enhance the credibility of elections and improve the efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement issued by Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC's National Publicity Secretary, the party denounced the Senate's actions as a deliberate attempt to weaken Nigeria's democratic framework.
The ADC asserted that the Senate's choices reveal the All Progressives Congress's (APC) fear of conducting free and fair elections in 2027, despite its current political strength.
The statement noted, "The ADC strongly disapproves of the Senate's decision to dismiss pivotal provisions that would bolster the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria's electoral framework."
Among the primary concerns highlighted is the Senate's decision to reject the electronic transmission of election results, which signals a further attempt by the APC to manipulate the electoral process and hinder the will of the Nigerian people.
The rejection also included essential reforms that would have permitted voters to download their cards electronically from the INEC website, as well as plans that would have reduced the notice period for elections and the timeframe for publishing candidates from 150 days to 60 days.
These proposed measures were aimed at providing necessary safeguards against electoral manipulation and restoring public confidence in the electoral process. However, the ADC argues that the Senate's actions jeopardize these safeguards and set the stage for potential electoral fraud.
"The disappointing outcome of this decision is that the APC is using its dominant position in the National Assembly to manipulate electoral laws in ways that could facilitate malpractices," the statement continued.
The ADC emphasized that Nigerians are well aware of the APC's reluctance to face free and fair elections due to the substantial hardships caused by its governance, indicating that their actions in altering electoral laws were unexpected and egregious.
By rejecting necessary electoral reforms, the APC has demonstrated a lack of confidence and a desire to maintain power by any means necessary, including unlawful legislative alterations.
At this critical juncture, the ADC calls on all conscientious Nigerians to hold the APC accountable for actions that jeopardize democracy and diminish public trust in the electoral system.
As Nigeria’s foremost opposition party, the ADC firmly rejects the current Senate's retrogressive stance and implores all citizens to stand against it.
The ADC additionally urges the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to dismiss the Senate's amendments and advocate for changes that genuinely reflect the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian populace.
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