 has accused the APC-controlled 10th Senate of deliberately weakening Nigeria’s electoral){kind=link}
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the APC-controlled 10th Senate of deliberately weakening Nigeria’s electoral framework, describing the rejection of key Electoral Act amendments as a calculated move to undermine credible elections ahead of 2027.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party faulted the Senate’s refusal to approve electronic transmission of election results, as well as the rejection of provisions allowing electronic voter card downloads.
According to the ADC, these measures were central to improving transparency, efficiency and public trust in the electoral process.
Moreover, the party criticised the lawmakers’ decision to shorten election notice periods and drastically reduce the timeline for the publication of candidates’ lists.
They argued that the changes would create avoidable logistical pressure for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) while expanding opportunities for electoral manipulation.
“The rejection of electronic transmission of results clearly signals an attempt to undermine the will of the Nigerian people,” Abdullahi said, adding that the proposed reforms were designed to safeguard elections and restore confidence in democracy.
The ADC further alleged that the ruling party’s dominance in the National Assembly was being used to tamper with electoral laws to tilt future polls in its favour.
It argued that the Senate’s action reflected fear of open and competitive elections rather than a commitment to democratic consolidation.
However, the party warned that legislative changes which weaken electoral integrity could deepen public distrust and further erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
It insisted that Nigerians were already bearing the consequences of poor governance and should not be subjected to compromised electoral processes.
Consequently, the ADC called on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to overturn the Senate’s decisions and ensure that the final amendments align with democratic principles and the aspirations of voters.
“At this critical moment, all well-meaning Nigerians must hold the APC accountable for actions that continue to weaken democracy,” Abdullahi said, urging citizens to reject what he described as a retrogressive step by the Senate.
The party maintained that only credible, transparent and technology-driven elections could guarantee stability and legitimacy, stressing that any reform short of this would amount to legislative endorsement of electoral malpractice.