‘A Blow to 2027?’ — African Democratic Congress Accuses Bola Tinubu of Undermining Credible Elections
By: Oluwaseun Lawal
It was swift. Almost too swift, they say.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has come out strongly against President Bola Tinubu’s decision to sign the Electoral Act Amendment Bill into law, describing the move as nothing short of a “death warrant on credible elections.”
In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the party questioned the speed of the assent. According to the ADC, the urgency raises eyebrows — especially with 2027 already in sight.
The party argues that at a time when many Nigerians are demanding deeper reforms and stronger electronic safeguards, the amendment appears to introduce ambiguity instead of clarity. In their view, it widens discretionary powers in collation and transmission processes rather than tightening transparency.
And they didn’t mince words.
The ADC suggested that the rapid passage of the bill, despite the ruling party’s dominance across several states and in the National Assembly, signals deeper political anxiety. If the system is already secure, they ask, why rush changes to the rules?
The statement goes further — accusing the administration and the APC-led legislature of ignoring public concerns and pushing through amendments without adequate engagement. According to the party, such actions risk eroding confidence in Nigeria’s democratic framework.
There’s also a warning tucked inside the rhetoric.
The ADC expressed concern that without firm, enforceable guarantees around electronic transparency, citizens may feel compelled to personally guard their votes. That, they imply, is not the direction a maturing democracy should be heading.
Still, the party insists its response will remain constitutional. It says it is prepared to mobilise Nigerians through lawful means to defend what it describes as the sanctity of the ballot.
The amendment was signed just days after the Independent National Electoral Commission released the timetable for the 2027 general election. Meanwhile, the Senate also approved a reduction in the notice period for elections — cutting it from 360 days to 300 days.
Shorter timelines. New amendments. Rising political temperature.
For the ADC, this isn’t just legislative housekeeping. They see it as a turning point.
Whether it becomes one — Nigerians will be watching. Closely.
