TDThe African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released a follow-up statement clarifying its position on the Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the 10th Senate.
The party made the remarks in a press release signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi warned that discretionary clauses inserted into the Senate’s version of the bill threaten to weaken the guarantee of real‑time electronic transmission of election results.
That may, thereby, create loopholes that could be exploited to manipulate outcomes.
Background
Initial reaction: ADC’s first response was based on early media reports.
The reports suggest that the Senate had passed a bill that fully guaranteed real‑time electronic transmission of polling‑unit results.
Such guarantee is a safeguard long demanded by Nigerians to protect the sanctity of their votes.
Clarification: Subsequent, more detailed reports revealed that the Senate’s version of the bill contains controversial provisions.
The provisions introduce discretion and technical caveats.
According to ADC, these clauses undermine the very essence of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s electoral process.
ADC Position
Clarity over ambiguity:
The ADC stresses that electoral laws must be clear, precise, and unambiguous.
Any provision that introduces discretion or technical loopholes around result transmission and collation fundamentally erodes electoral integrity.
Demand for unequivocal guarantees:
The party demanded a law that unequivocally mandates real‑time electronic transmission of results without exceptions.
It insisted that only law can inspire public confidence and strengthen democracy.
Rejection of discretionary clauses:
ADC categorically rejects the Senate’s discretionary fallback provisions.
It warned that they dilute transparency and open the door to intentional manipulation of results.
Calls to Action
Legislative correction:
ADC urges the National Assembly to immediately revisit the bill and remove any provisions that weaken the safeguard of electronic transmission.
The party asked the National Assembly to align the final version with the recommendations of the Conference Committee, which endorsed unconditional e‑transmission.
Public vigilance:
The party, in the statement, called on Nigerians to remain alert and engaged.
It emphasizing that electoral credibility is not built on assurances but on firm legal guarantees that protect the will of the people.
Commitment to democracy:
ADC pledged to stand with citizens in defending transparent, credible, and verifiable elections.
It reiterated that democracy must be safeguarded against technical ambiguities and political manipulation.
Implications
ADC warns that if discretionary exceptions remain in the final law, public trust in the 2027 elections could be severely undermined.
This may perpetuate doubts about the fairness of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Conversely, a clear, unconditional mandate for real‑time electronic transmission would:
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Strengthen transparency and accountability.
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Reduce opportunities for result alteration during collation.
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Enhance citizens’ confidence in the electoral system.
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Signal Nigeria’s commitment to modern, technology‑driven democratic practices.
