By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja — The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has raised strong concerns over ongoing amendments to Nigeria’s electoral laws, accusing the National Assembly—particularly the Senate—of undermining the integrity of future elections by removing the mandatory electronic transmission of results.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ambassador Dr Babatunde Oke, National Director of Communication and Programmes of the ADC, described the controversy surrounding the electronic transmission of election results as “a direct assault on the collective resolve of Nigerians to achieve credible, transparent and legitimate elections in 2027.”
“The credibility of any election is inseparably attached to the sanctity of its process,” Oke said. “Every election has well-defined procedures backed by constitutional provisions. Once those procedures are compromised, the legitimacy of the election itself becomes questionable.”
‘A Legislative Coup Against Nigerians’
Oke condemned the decision by the Senate to reportedly remove provisions making electronic transmission of results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV) mandatory, describing it as nothing short of a “legislative coup.”
“The ongoing confusion over mandatory electronic transmission of results is not an accident. It is a calculated move against the Nigerian people,” he stated. “Those behind this move know that under a free, fair and transparent electoral process, they will struggle to retain power.”
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According to him, the argument often advanced by some lawmakers—poor internet connectivity in rural areas—is no longer tenable in the 21st century.
“It is embarrassing that senators would stand up in 2026 to complain about poor internet services in their senatorial districts,” Oke said. “What does it cost a lawmaker to facilitate internet access in their communities? Do we not already have POS services in almost every village? Why then should elections remain analogue?”
Nigeria Falling Behind Africa
The ADC spokesperson also lamented Nigeria’s declining reputation in democratic governance, noting that the country now lags behind several African nations in electoral credibility.
“It is on record that Nigeria, the so-called Giant of Africa, now trails countries like Ghana and South Africa in decent electoral processes,” he said. “This is a national embarrassment. One of the strongest factors that earns a nation international respect is the sanctity of its elections.”
Oke argued that constitutional amendments are not forbidden and that Nigerians reserve the right to demand the repeal or amendment of laws that undermine democratic values.
“When citizens feel strongly about a law, it is their constitutional right to demand its amendment or outright repeal,” he said. “It is the responsibility of the National Assembly to act without bias or hesitation, not to sabotage the will of the people.”
Call for Pressure on Senate Leadership
The ADC called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to intensify pressure on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration and the leadership of the National Assembly to uphold electoral reforms that guarantee transparency.
Specifically, Oke urged citizens to prevail on their senators to influence Senate President Godswill Akpabio to restore the provision on compulsory electronic transmission of results.
“I call on Nigerians to demand that Senator Godswill Akpabio return what was removed from the bill—mandatory electronic transmission of results to IREV or any portal designated by INEC,” he said. “Anything short of this will not be tolerated.”
He warned that continued disregard for public opinion could provoke widespread dissatisfaction among voters.
“The Senate must not test the patience of the electorate,” Oke cautioned. “They are accountable to the people who voted for them, and they must do their bidding.”
Democracy at a Crossroads
As debates over electoral reforms continue, civil society groups and opposition parties have echoed similar concerns, warning that weakening technological safeguards could open the door to manipulation and electoral fraud ahead of the 2027 general elections.
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For the ADC, the issue is not merely legislative but existential for Nigeria’s democracy.
“Democracy thrives only where electoral processes are clean, credible, transparent and devoid of fraud,” Oke reiterated. “Nigeria must choose whether it wants progress or regression.”
