Politics
ADC Slams Senate Over Rejection of Key Electoral Reforms, Including Electronic Transmission of Results
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned the 10th Senate’s decision to reject critical amendments to the Electoral Act, describing the move as a deliberate effort to undermine Nigeria’s democracy and pave the way for manipulation in future elections.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party urged the Conference Committee on the Electoral Act to override the Senate’s position and approve reforms that align with democratic principles and the aspirations of Nigerians.
The ADC particularly criticized the Senate’s refusal to mandate electronic transmission of election results from polling units, a measure widely seen as essential for enhancing transparency and credibility.
The party also faulted the rejection of provisions allowing electronic downloads of voter cards, as well as reductions in election notice periods and shortened timelines for publishing candidate lists.
These decisions, according to the ADC, represent a setback for improving the efficiency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ensuring the integrity of upcoming elections, including those in 2027.
“The actions of the Senate are a deliberate attempt to undermine Nigeria’s democracy,” the statement read. The party accused the APC-led Senate of prioritizing political interests over electoral transparency, warning that such rejections signal an unwillingness to subject elections to genuine public scrutiny.
The condemnation follows the Senate’s passage of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill 2026 after extensive debate, during which lawmakers retained existing provisions for electronic transmission as per the 2022 Act but rejected proposals for compulsory real-time uploads to the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the chamber did not outright reject electronic transmission but opted against mandating real-time processes.
The ADC’s stance echoes criticisms from other opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (an ADC chieftain), who described the rejection of real-time transmission as an assault on electoral transparency and a tactic to protect incumbents.
The party called on the National Assembly to reconsider these key provisions to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process and prevent future rigging opportunities.
Politics
2027 polls: 50% Nigerians lack confidence in INEC — GoNigeria
GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.
A public opinion survey conducted by GoNigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections, revealed that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
GoNigeria is convened by Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others Nigerians.
In a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, GoNigeria emphasised that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the organisation, four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property.
” These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.
Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whetherpower is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.
“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.
Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation.
These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.
Politics
2027: Labour Party sets May 23 for presidential primaries
The communique, which was made public on Wednesday, stated that the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15th, 2026, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026.
The Labour Party (LP) has set 23 May 2026, for its presidential primaries.
This was contained in a communique issued after a meeting of its National Executive Council (NEC) held and observed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Abuja, on Tuesday.
The communique, which was made public on Wednesday, stated that the party will submit its membership register to INEC on April 15th, 2026, while governorship, Senate, House of Representatives, and House of Assembly primaries will be held on Friday, May 15th, 2026.
The party’s NEC also expressed satisfaction and ratified the actions of the National Leadership of the Party under the direction of Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwochocha regarding the conduct of Ward, Local Government, and State Congresses scheduled for March 26, 28, and 31, 2026, respectively, as well as the National Convention slated for April 11, 2026.
The party’s NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the party after the National Convention, equally reviewed recent developments within the party.
Developments reviewed included the recent invasion of the Party Secretariat by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by “certain rogue elements”.
Politics
2027: Tinubu orders political appointees seeking elective offices to resign by March 31
These include “Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President…
President Bola Tinubu has directed all political appointees serving in his administration who intend to contest elective offices in the 2027 general elections to resign their appointments on or before March 31, 2026.
The presidential mandate, which targets ministers, heads of agencies and aides, is aimed at ensuring strict adherence to the country’s legal framework and maintaining the integrity of the upcoming electoral cycle.
The directive is contained in a circular issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation , referenced the provisions of Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act, 2026, as well as the timetable issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for party primaries.
The circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, and released by the Permanent Secretary (General Services Office), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, clarifies that the resignation requirement applies to a broad spectrum of officials.
These include “Honourable Ministers, Honourable Ministers of State, Special Advisers to the President, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants, and Personal Assistants to the President.
”The order further extends to “all Directors-General and Chief Executive Officers of Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Commissions, and Government-owned Companies,” as well as any other political appointees seeking nomination for elective office.
President Tinubu emphasized that the measure is a necessary step to “ensure full compliance with electoral laws, uphold transparency in the political process, and promote a level playing field for all aspirants ahead of the elections.”
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