Abuja, Nigeria — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has clarified its earlier reaction to the Electoral Amendment Bill recently passed by the 10th Senate, expressing concerns over provisions it says could weaken the integrity of elections.
In a statement issued Tuesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC explained that its initial response was based on early media reports indicating that the Senate had approved a version of the bill guaranteeing real-time electronic transmission of election results.
The party described real-time electronic transmission as a critical safeguard for protecting votes and ensuring electoral transparency.
However, upon reviewing more detailed reports, the ADC said it discovered that the version passed by the Senate includes discretionary clauses that could undermine the guarantee of real-time transmission.
According to the party, such provisions may introduce ambiguity and create potential loopholes capable of weakening the credibility of the electoral process.
“In light of these facts now on record, the ADC wishes to clarify its position,” the statement read.
The party maintained that any aspect of the electoral law that allows room for discretion or technical ambiguity in the transmission and collation of results risks eroding public trust in elections.
“The credibility of elections rests not on assurances but on clear, unambiguous legal guarantees that protect the will of the people,” the ADC stated.
The party further emphasized that only an Electoral Amendment Act that unequivocally mandates real-time electronic transmission of results can strengthen democratic institutions and restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The ADC therefore urged the National Assembly to review and remove any provisions that could weaken this safeguard and ensure the final version of the bill aligns with the recommendations of the Conference Committee on electronic transmission of results.
Reaffirming its stance, the party said it remains committed to advocating for transparent, credible, and verifiable elections in Nigeria.
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