The African Democratic Congress, an opposition party, on February 5, 2026, accused the Senate led by the ruling All Progressives Congress of blocking reforms that could improve election openness in Nigeria. The party reacted after lawmakers refused to approve electronic transmission of election results during consideration of changes to the Electoral Act.
In a statement issued in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the Senate’s action showed fear of free and fair elections. The party argued that rejecting electronic transmission creates room for interference in the voting process and weakens trust in elections.
The ADC also pointed to other proposals turned down by the Senate. These include allowing voters to download voter cards electronically from the electoral body’s website, cutting down the time required to notify of elections, and reducing the period for publishing candidates’ names from 150 days to 60 days.
According to the party, these proposals were meant to protect the voting process, reduce abuse, and rebuild public confidence. It warned that keeping the current system could make elections harder to manage and place extra pressure on the electoral commission.
The party further accused the ruling APC of using its numerical strength in the National Assembly to maintain control and block changes that could improve election conduct. It said this approach suggests a desire to remain in power without fair competition.
The ADC called on Nigerians to closely watch the actions of lawmakers and urged the committee working on the Electoral Act to reject the Senate’s position. It also appealed for changes that reflect democratic values and the wishes of the people ahead of future elections.
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