The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a clarification on its earlier reaction to the Electoral Amendment Bill passed by the 10th Senate.
In a follow-up statement, signed by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday, the party explained that its initial response was based on early media reports suggesting that the Senate had passed a version of the bill that guarantees real-time transmission of election results.
According to the ADC, real-time electronic transmission of results is a long-standing safeguard needed to protect votes and preserve electoral integrity.
However, the party said more detailed reports later revealed that the bill, as passed, contains a controversial provision that introduces discretionary clauses.
The ADC noted that these clauses are capable of weakening the guarantee of real-time electronic transmission and could open the door to the manipulation of election results.
“In light of these facts now on record, the ADC wishes to clarify its position,” the party said.
The ADC stated that any provision in the electoral law that creates ambiguity, discretion, or technical loopholes around the transmission and collation of results undermines the integrity of elections.
“The credibility of elections rests not on assurances but on clear, unambiguous legal guarantees that protect the will of the people,” the statement said.
The party maintained that only an Electoral Amendment Act that clearly mandates real-time electronic transmission of results, can build public confidence and strengthen democracy.
The ADC urged the National Assembly to address and remove any provision that weakens this safeguard and align the final version of the bill with the recommendations of the Conference Committee on e-transmission of results.
“The ADC remains committed to standing with Nigerians in defense of transparent, credible, and verifiable elections,” the statement added.
