The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over his swift approval of the Electoral Act Amendment, describing the move as a serious setback for Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary,
Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said the president’s quick assent to the
controversial bill has signed the death warrant for credible elections in the
country.
The ADC questioned why the amendment was rushed into law
despite what it described as widespread objections from Nigerians.
According to the party, the speed of the process raises
concerns about the intentions behind the changes.
“At a time when Nigerians across generations and political
affiliations are calling for stronger accountability and the full modernisation
of our electoral system, it is sad to see a president who likes to boast of his
pro-democracy credentials hurriedly approving amendments that not only fail to
improve citizens’ confidence in the electoral process,” the statement read.
The party argued that instead of strengthening democracy,
the amendment introduces ambiguity and excessive discretion in the collation
and transmission of election results.
It claimed that this could weaken transparency in future
elections.
The ADC also questioned why a ruling party that controls
more than 30 state governments and holds a majority in the National Assembly
would rush changes to the electoral framework.
It suggested that such urgency indicates doubts about facing
a transparent and competitive electoral process.
“By refusing to slow down, listen, and meaningfully engage
the concerns of Nigerians, President Tinubu and the APC-led National Assembly
have shown that they are afraid of what the Nigerian people will do to them in
a free and fair election,” the party stated.
The opposition party further expressed concern about the
implications of the amendment for upcoming elections, warning that without firm
guarantees of electronic transparency, tensions could rise during voting and
result collation.
However, the ADC stressed that it would respond within the
law.
“We are ready, willing, and prepared to defend the sanctity
of Nigeria’s democracy using every constitutional and lawful means available to
us,” the party said.
It added that it would mobilise Nigerians towards vigilance,
lawful participation and unity in defence of their constitutional rights,
insisting that the will of the people must prevail.
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