Delayed Electoral Act: ADC Slams Senate
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a blistering critique against the Nigerian Senate regarding the Electoral Act 2022. The party officially accused the upper chamber of employing “subtle delay tactics” to frustrate ongoing reform efforts. This allegation follows the Senate’s recent decision to defer the report of its Committee on Electoral Matters. Consequently, opposition leaders fear a calculated attempt to undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections. The ADC maintains that any delay in amending the current legal framework serves only entrenched interests. Furthermore, they argue that the Nigerian people demand immediate transparency in the nation’s electoral processes.
The National Chairman of the ADC, Ralphs Nwosu, expressed these concerns during a strategic stakeholders’ engagement in Abuja. He stated that the frequent deferment of the bill suggests a lack of genuine legislative will. Active voice declarations from the party hierarchy emphasize that the Senate must prioritize the “Repeal and Re-enactment Bill.” Furthermore, the ADC believes that the current legal gaps allow for significant manipulation of poll results. They insist that technological integration, particularly regarding the electronic transmission of results, requires urgent and definitive legal backing. Conversely, the Senate leadership has previously cited the need for “thorough scrutiny” of the proposed amendments.
In a related development, the absence of key committee members has further slowed the legislative process in the capital. The presentation of the committee’s report has faced multiple setbacks, leading to increased frustration among civil society groups. Furthermore, political analysts suggest that these delays may be a strategic maneuver to maintain the status quo. The ADC, however, warns that Nigerians will no longer tolerate the “mercantile” approach to critical nation-building tasks. They have called on international observers to monitor the Senate’s handling of these essential democratic reforms. Conversely, some lawmakers argue that a rushed bill would produce more legal loopholes than it solves.
The integrity of future elections depends heavily on the timely passage of these comprehensive electoral amendments. ADC leaders have vowed to mobilize public sentiment against any perceived legislative sabotage of the reform process. Furthermore, they demand a clear and non-negotiable timeline for the conclusion of the clause-by-clause debate. This political friction highlights the deep distrust currently existing between the opposition parties and the ruling establishment. Systemic reforms in the electoral sector remain the primary hope for reducing post-election litigations and violence. Consequently, the ADC intends to keep the pressure on the National Assembly until the bill passes.
Looking ahead, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured the public that the bill remains a top priority. He noted that the “sensitivity” of the document requires every senator to study the proposals carefully. Furthermore, the Red Chamber intends to ensure that the final act reflects the aspirations of all Nigerians. The outcome of this legislative battle will define the transparency level of the next electoral cycle. For now, the ADC remains vigilant, viewing every procedural pause with a high degree of skepticism. Nigeria’s path to a more perfect union requires an electoral law that is beyond reproach or manipulation.