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 major 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 argued that this could weaken transparency in future elections.
The ADC 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 said 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.
“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.
