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
APC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has postponed its House of Representatives primary election for the 2027 General Elections to Saturday, May 16, 2026.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the party said the adjustment affects only the House of Representatives primary, while the dates for other primaries remain unchanged.
According to the new timetable released by the APC:
- House of Representatives Primary: Saturday, 16th May, 2026
- Senate Primary: Monday, 18th May, 2026
- State House of Assembly Primary: Wednesday, 20th May, 2026
- Governorship Primary: Thursday, 21st May, 2026
- Presidential Primary: Saturday, 23rd May, 2026
The party assured stakeholders that the shift was necessary and that all other arrangements for the primaries would proceed as planned.
Politics
Makinde to declare presidential ambition on Thursday
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM)…
Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare his presidential ambition on Thursday, 14 May, during a major political rally scheduled to hold at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
The event, tagged “Unity Mega Rally Ibadan 2026”, is expected to serve as the official launch of Governor Makinde’s anticipated 2027 presidential bid, alongside the unveiling of a grand political alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), as well as candidates aligned with the emerging coalition being championed by the Oyo State governor and his loyalists.
Reports indicate that preparations for the rally have intensified amid growing political realignments within Oyo State and the wider South-West region.
Several grassroots mobilisers, political associates and loyalists of Governor Makinde are reportedly making strategic moves as consultations over a broader political structure continue to gather momentum.
Politics
APC Warns Aspirants Against Violence, Anti-Party Activities Ahead of Primaries
The All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has urged all aspirants contesting on the platform of the party to maintain discipline, maturity, and sportsmanship ahead of the 2027 party primaries.
In a statement, Yilwatda said that the APC remains committed to conducting transparent, peaceful, and credible primaries capable of strengthening internal democracy and sustaining public confidence in the ruling party.
Yilwatda warned that the party leadership would not tolerate acts capable of disrupting the primaries, including violence, unrest, anti-party activities, or attempts to compromise the integrity of the process.
He stressed that any aspirant or supporter found culpable would face severe sanctions, including suspension from the party, adding that no personal ambition should override the collective interest of the APC and national stability.
The APC chairman reminded aspirants that democratic contests naturally produce winners and non-winners, urging all contestants to accept the outcome of the primaries in good faith.
According to him, democracy thrives on healthy competition, mutual respect, and acceptance of results, while aspirants must see themselves as ambassadors of the party whose conduct should reflect the values and vision of the APC.
He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting unity within the party, and called on party members and stakeholders to support the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and avoid divisive actions capable of overheating the political environment or undermining progress already recorded by the administration.
Highlighting achievements of the Tinubu administration, the APC chairman pointed to ongoing investments in road infrastructure, rail transportation, energy, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the solid minerals sector.
He noted that the administration’s reforms are aimed at repositioning Nigeria for long-term economic growth, job creation, food security, and the attainment of a one trillion dollar economy through strategic investments and industrial expansion.
-
News3 days agoAnxiety as chemical pollution affects 6 Ogun schools, 90 students
-
Crime3 days agoWoman Jailed 20 Years for Transporting 302 AK-47 Rounds to Bandits
-
Business3 days agoBUA Chairman Rabiu shares South Africa visa entry denial experience at Africa CEO Forum
-
News3 days agoNJC Recommends Elevation of 12 Judges to Court of Appeal, Includes Omotosho and Nwite
-
News3 days agoNJC Suspends Two Judges for One Year Without Pay
-
Sports3 days agoBayern pledges support for injured Alphonso Davies ahead of World Cup
-
Entertainment3 days agoNFVCB Approves 304 Nollywood’s New Films
-
Politics3 days agoAPC Postpones House of Representatives Primary to Saturday
