ADC: Tinubu Has Just Signed ‘Death Warrant’ of Credible Elections

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly criticised President Bola Tinubu over his assent to the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, describing the move as a major setback to Nigeria’s democratic progress. The party alleged that the newly signed amendment undermines public confidence in the country’s electoral framework and could compromise the integrity of future polls.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed deep concern about what it described as the “alarmingly speedy” approval of the bill. The opposition party argued that the process ignored widespread public objections and failed to adequately address concerns about transparency and accountability in elections.

ADC Concerns Over Speed and Transparency

The ADC questioned what it termed the undue haste with which the amendment was passed by the APC-led National Assembly and signed into law. According to the party, such speed has raised suspicions among citizens about the government’s commitment to ensuring credible and transparent elections.

Abdullahi stated that while the President claimed the amendment was aimed at consolidating democracy, it allegedly introduced ambiguity into the collation and transmission of election results. The party argued that any reform of the electoral system should prioritise clarity, technological modernisation, and safeguards against manipulation.

The ADC maintained that strengthening public trust in elections should remain central to any legislative review. It warned that reforms perceived as weakening transparency could deepen political distrust and heighten tensions ahead of future polls.

ADC Allegations of Political Strategy Ahead of 2027

The party further alleged that the amendment formed part of broader political calculations ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the ADC, the swift passage and presidential assent have reinforced public suspicion that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may be positioning itself advantageously within the electoral framework.

The statement questioned why a government that claims significant political dominance—controlling more than 30 state governments and holding a majority in the National Assembly—would consider it necessary to alter the electoral law in a manner that critics argue may weaken transparency.

The ADC contended that a government confident in its popularity should welcome reforms that guarantee open and competitive elections. It argued that the perceived reluctance to engage critics more extensively before signing the bill has further fuelled debate across the country.

Warning of Heightened Tension

The ADC also expressed concern about the possible implications of the amendment on upcoming elections. It warned that without firm guarantees of electronic transparency, citizens might feel compelled to physically safeguard their votes to prevent discrepancies between polling units and collation centres.

The party emphasised that election-related tensions have historically emerged when transparency is questioned. It cautioned that reforms perceived as weakening oversight mechanisms could inadvertently raise anxiety among voters and political actors.

According to the statement, no government confident in its democratic mandate should enact measures that risk escalating tensions during electoral processes. The ADC urged authorities to ensure that the amendment does not erode public confidence in electoral institutions.

Commitment to Constitutional Resistance

Reaffirming its position, the ADC declared its readiness to defend what it described as the sanctity of Nigeria’s democracy through constitutional and lawful means. The party pledged to mobilise citizens towards vigilance, lawful participation, and unity in protecting their electoral rights.

The statement stressed that democratic aspirations cannot be extinguished by legislation perceived as controversial. The party reiterated its belief that the will of the people must prevail and called for continued civic engagement to safeguard electoral integrity.

As debate continues over the implications of the Electoral Act Amendment, political observers note that discussions surrounding electoral transparency and reform are likely to remain central to Nigeria’s democratic discourse in the coming years.