The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the decision of the APC-led 10th Senate to reject key reforms to the Electoral Act aimed at improving the credibility of future elections and enhancing the efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The party, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, describes the action as a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
It specifically faults the Senate’s refusal to approve the electronic transmission of election results and the rejection of provisions allowing electronic download of voter cards.
The ADC also condemns the decision to reduce election notice periods and drastically shorten the timelines for the publication of the list of candidates.
According to the ADC, these actions expose the ruling party’s fear of free and fair elections in 2027, despite its current political dominance.
The party therefore calls on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to overturn the Senate’s decision and pass amendments that reflect democratic principles and the will of the Nigerian people.
The full statement reads: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) strongly condemns the decision of the 10th APC-led Senate to reject critical provisions that would have strengthened the credibility, transparency, and integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Foremost among these is the rejection of electronic transmission of election results — a move that clearly signals yet another attempt by the APC to undermine the will of the Nigerian people and manipulate future elections.
“The Senate also voted against key reforms that would have allowed for the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website, reduced the notice period for elections, and shortened the timeline for the publication of candidates from 150 days to 60 days.
“These proposed provisions were intended to provide necessary safeguards against electoral abuse and to restore voter confidence in the electoral process. Instead, the Senate has chosen to tamper with the law in a manner that expands opportunities for rigging and imposes severe logistical challenges on INEC, making future elections even less efficient.
“The net result of this disgraceful action is that the APC has exploited its majority status in the National Assembly to manipulate the law and lay the groundwork for widespread electoral malpractice.
“Nigerians are well aware that the APC is mortally afraid of subjecting itself to free and fair elections because of the unprecedented hardship it has inflicted on ordinary citizens. However, no one expected the party to go this far in mutilating the nation’s electoral laws.
“By rejecting critical reforms meant to improve the conduct of elections, the APC has betrayed its lack of confidence and demonstrated its determination to cling to power by all means — including legislative tampering.
“At this critical moment, all well-meaning Nigerians must hold the APC accountable for actions that continue to weaken democracy and erode public trust in the electoral system.
“As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the ADC unequivocally condemns this retrogressive action of the Nigerian Senate and calls on all Nigerians to reject it.
“We also call on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submission and pass amendments that align with democratic principles and truly reflect the will and aspirations of the Nigerian people.”