The Peoples Democratic Party has criticised the National Assembly over recent amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, describing the move as a “treacherous betrayal” of Nigerians, particularly on the issue of mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the party accused the Senate of adopting an anti-democratic posture and faulted what it described as a “sudden somersault” by the House of Representatives on the electronic transmission of results.
The PDP said Nigerians had overwhelmingly demanded electronic transmission to safeguard electoral integrity.
“The anti-democratic stance of the Senate and the sudden somersault by the House of Representatives on the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022, specifically on the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from the polling units is an act of treachery against the Nigerian electorate. This is a huge betrayal of the collective trust of Nigerians, who unambiguously expressed their overwhelming demand for the electronic transmission of results. This betrayal is most painful because it strikes the core of democracy, electoral sanctity,” the statement read.
The party further alleged that lawmakers acted in disregard of public opinion and accused them of undermining transparency in the electoral process.
“The shocking aspect of the whole drama is the brazen manner in which the legislators acted-they clearly showed disdain for the Nigerian people who voted them into office by openly challenging the supremacy of the voters. The excuses advanced for inserting this obnoxious proviso are weak, illogical, and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians. When lawmakers begin to dilute transparency mechanisms ahead of elections, only one conclusion is rational: there is a calculated attempt to create room for electoral manipulation. By this act, the National Assembly has violated the foundation of legislative representation, which is anchored on mirroring the wishes of the majority of their constituents. This is a painful betrayal, which the people will certainly repay in equal, if not heavier measures.”
The PDP also objected to the reported restriction of party primaries to Direct and Consensus methods, arguing that the provision interferes with the internal administration of political parties.
“Furthermore, the restriction of party primaries to Direct and Consensus methods constitutes a blatant intrusion into the internal affairs of political parties. The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed that political parties possess autonomy in managing their internal processes. This provision is therefore ultra vires, and the attempt to constrict political parties is condemnable.”
The opposition party questioned the position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging inconsistency in its stance on electoral reforms.
“Additionally, If the ruling party truly believes it enjoys the support it claims, it should welcome every mechanism that guarantees transparency. Their shameless support for this anomaly shows their fear of impending defeat in a free and fair election. It is most shameful that a party that demanded electronic voting in 2015 is now unwilling and unprepared to have electronic transmission of results-this is a crying shame.”
The PDP called on Nigerians, organised labour, and civil society groups to lawfully oppose what it described as anti-democratic actions by the legislature.
“Finally, we call on all Nigerians, the organised labour and Civil Society Organisations to use all lawful means to express their displeasure on the anti-democratic actions of our National Assembly, in the hope that they will reconsider their position. This hard-won democracy must not be allowed to suffer decline in the hands of retrogressive politicians, masking as legislators.”
