ADC Backtracks, Insists On Legal Shield For Electronic Transmission Of Results

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has released a follow-up statement clarifying its stance on the Electoral Amendment Bill recently approved by the 10th Senate, cautioning that vague provisions in the legislation could jeopardize the credibility of future elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party explained that its initial response was based on early media reports indicating that the amendment ensured real-time electronic transmission of election results.

However, the ADC said a closer examination of the Bill revealed what it termed “controversial provisions,” including discretionary clauses that could weaken the supposed guarantee of real-time electronic transmission.

“Our initial reaction was informed by early media reports suggesting that the Senate had passed a version of the Electoral Amendment Bill that guarantees real-time transmission of election results,” the statement said.

“Subsequent, more detailed reports have shown that the Bill, as passed, contains a controversial provision introducing discretionary clauses that may undermine the assurance of real-time electronic transmission and potentially allow for manipulation of election results.”

The party warned that such ambiguity could diminish public trust in the electoral process. It maintained that any legal framework creating uncertainty or loopholes around the transmission and collation of results threatens the integrity of elections.

“Any provision in our electoral laws that introduces ambiguity, discretion, or technical loopholes regarding the transmission and collation of results fundamentally weakens electoral integrity and cannot be supported in good conscience,” the ADC stated.

It emphasized that credible elections must be backed by clear and enforceable legal safeguards rather than mere political assurances.

“The credibility of elections depends not on promises but on clear, unambiguous legal guarantees that safeguard the will of the people,” the statement added.

The party called on the National Assembly to urgently review and remove what it described as weakening clauses in the Bill, urging lawmakers to align the final legislation with recommendations supporting mandatory electronic transmission of results.

“The ADC maintains that only an Electoral Amendment Act that clearly mandates real-time electronic transmission of results, without loopholes open to abuse, can inspire public confidence and deepen Nigeria’s democracy,” it said.

The party reiterated its commitment to electoral transparency and pledged to continue advocating for credible, transparent, and verifiable elections in Nigeria.