The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the National Assembly over the recent amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, describing the move as anti-democratic and a betrayal of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, condemned what he called a “sudden somersault” by the House of Representatives and the Senate’s stance on the amendment—particularly regarding the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
Ememobong argued that the decision undermines the collective demand of Nigerians for transparent and credible elections. According to him, the removal of mandatory electronic transmission provisions strikes at the heart of electoral integrity and weakens public trust in the democratic process.
He described the development as a painful betrayal of the electorate, noting that Nigerians had clearly expressed overwhelming support for electronic transmission of results as a safeguard against manipulation.
“The manner in which the legislators acted shows open disregard for the will of the people who elected them,” Ememobong said, adding that the justifications offered by lawmakers were “weak, illogical, and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians.”
The PDP spokesman further warned that diluting transparency mechanisms ahead of elections raises concerns about possible electoral manipulation. He maintained that legislative representation should reflect the wishes of constituents, stressing that the amendment contradicts that principle.
On the issue of party primaries, Ememobong criticised the restriction of primaries to Direct and Consensus methods, describing it as interference in the internal affairs of political parties. He cited previous Supreme Court rulings affirming the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal processes, arguing that the new provision is beyond the powers of the National Assembly.
The party called on Nigerians, organised labour, and civil society organisations to use lawful means to register their dissatisfaction and urge lawmakers to reconsider the amendment.
Ememobong warned that Nigeria’s democracy, which he described as hard-won, must not be undermined by actions capable of reversing democratic gains.
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