The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised concerns over the recent assent of the amended Electoral Act, questioning its impact on the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s electoral process. The party said it will closely monitor elections and hold authorities accountable for any lapses.
In a statement on Thursday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi criticised what the party described as the unusually fast approval of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The opposition contends that the speed of enactment leaves little room for public scrutiny or institutional checks.
According to the ADC, the new provisions of the law introduce ambiguities in vote collation and transmission, which could affect the integrity of future elections. The party argues that without clear guarantees for transparency, the amendments risk undermining public confidence in the electoral system.
“The extraordinary haste in passing and signing this amendment raises serious questions about the government’s willingness to subject itself to a fully transparent and competitive process,” the statement said. The ADC suggests that the process appears rushed despite the ruling party’s majority in both chambers of the National Assembly.
The opposition party also warned that the absence of robust electronic safeguards could prompt citizens to take extra measures to ensure their votes are properly counted, citing past instances where discrepancies occurred between polling units and collation centres.
Highlighting its commitment to democratic principles, the ADC affirmed that it is prepared to use all lawful means to safeguard Nigeria’s elections. The party stressed the importance of institutional accountability and called on electoral authorities to uphold fairness, clarity, and transparency in implementation.
The statement urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, participate lawfully, and demand that election processes meet constitutional and democratic standards. The ADC framed its position as a proactive step to prevent potential electoral malpractice rather than a partisan objection.
As the country prepares for local and national polls under the newly amended law, the ADC’s warning underscores ongoing tensions over institutional integrity, oversight, and the role of government in ensuring transparent elections. Observers say the coming months will test not only the technical provisions of the law but also the accountability of both electoral and political institutions.
If you like, I can also draft a “Human Interest and Lived Experiences” version of this same story that shows how voters themselves feel about the amendments, giving it a more personal and grassroots perspective. That version can make the story resonate more with a national audience. Do you want me to do that?
