The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Senate’s refusal to approve electronic transmission of election results and the electronic download of voter cards, describing the move as a threat to the credibility of future elections and the efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mr Bolaji Abdullahi.
Abdullahi condemned what he described as the Senate’s rejection of key Electoral Act reforms, warning that the decision could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The party also faulted the Senate’s decision to reduce the statutory notice period for elections and shorten the timeline for the publication of candidates’ lists.
ADC urged Nigerians to resist the proposed changes and called on the Electoral Act Conference Committee to overturn the Senate’s decision and ensure the passage of amendments that reflect the will of the people.
According to the party, the Senate voted against reforms that would have allowed eligible voters to electronically download their voter cards from the INEC website.
It also noted that the reduction of election notice periods and the shortening of candidate publication timelines from 150 days to 60 days could weaken electoral safeguards.
The party stated that the proposed reforms were designed to prevent electoral abuse and rebuild voter confidence ahead of future elections.
“As Nigeria’s leading opposition party, the ADC unequivocally condemns this retrogressive action of the Senate and calls on all Nigerians to reject it,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, has dismissed claims that the Senate rejected electronic transmission of election results.
Speaking during plenary on Wednesday, Akpabio said the Senate retained Clause 60 of the Electoral Act, which provides for electronic transmission of results.
He explained that contrary to public perception, the Senate did not remove electronic transmission but maintained existing provisions already in use.
Akpabio insisted that the Senate, under his leadership, had not rejected electronic transmission of results, noting that it remained in the interest of all stakeholders, including lawmakers who would be participating in future elections.