ADC Accuses APC of Sabotaging Free and Fair Elections over Electoral Act Reforms

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has charged the APC-led Senate with undermining democracy in Nigeria, accusing the party of fearing free and fair elections following the rejection of key electoral reforms.

In a statement issued Wednesday by ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdulahi, the opposition party criticized the Senate’s dismissal of proposals designed to strengthen transparency in the nation’s voting process.

“The rejection of electronic transmission of election results, alongside other reforms such as the electronic download of voter cards from the INEC website, shorter election notice periods, and reducing the timeline for candidate publication from 150 days to 60 days, signals yet another attempt by the APC to manipulate future elections,” the statement said.

According to Abdulahi, the reforms were aimed at protecting voters’ rights, preventing electoral abuses, and restoring public confidence in the process.

“But the Senate’s action threatens to compromise the integrity of future elections, imposes unnecessary logistical burdens on INEC, and opens the door to manipulation,” the statement added.

The ADC accused the APC of exploiting its majority in the National Assembly to entrench malpractice, warning that the party’s fear of free and fair elections is driving legislative distortions.

“By rejecting reforms meant to improve the conduct of elections, the APC has shown its intent to cling to power by all means,” the party said, urging Nigerians to hold the ruling party accountable.

The ADC also called on the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s submissions and demanded amendments that uphold democratic principles and reflect the will of Nigerians.