The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a follow-up statement clarifying its position on the Electoral Amendment Bill recently passed by the 10th Senate, warning that ambiguous provisions in the legislation could undermine the integrity of future elections.

In a press statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the party said its earlier reaction was based on initial media reports suggesting that the amendment guaranteed real-time electronic transmission of election results.

According to the ADC, further scrutiny of the Bill revealed the inclusion of what it described as “controversial provisions” that introduce discretionary clauses capable of weakening the guarantee of real-time electronic transmission.

“Our initial reaction was based on early media reports which indicated that the Senate had passed a version of the Electoral Amendment Bill that guarantees the real time transmission of election results,” the statement read.

“However, subsequent and more detailed reports have since revealed that the Bill, as passed, contains a controversial provision which introduces discretionary clauses capable of weakening the guarantee of real time electronic transmission and opening the door to the intentional manipulation of election results.”

The party said such ambiguity in the law could erode public confidence in the electoral system.

The ADC maintained that any provision creating uncertainty around the transmission and collation of results fundamentally weakens electoral credibility.

“Any provision in our electoral laws that creates ambiguity, discretion, or technical loopholes around the transmission and collation of election results fundamentally undermines the integrity of the electoral process and cannot be accepted in good conscience,” the party stated.

It stressed that the credibility of elections must rest on clear and enforceable legal guarantees, rather than political assurances.

“The credibility of elections rests not on assurances but on clear, unambiguous legal guarantees that protect the will of the people,” the statement added.

The party urged the National Assembly to urgently address what it described as diluting provisions in the Bill and align the final version with recommendations supporting electronic transmission of results.

“The ADC therefore maintains that only an Electoral Amendment Act that unequivocally mandates real time electronic transmission of results, without exceptions capable of abuse, can command public confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy,” it said.

The party reaffirmed its commitment to electoral transparency and pledged to stand with Nigerians in defence of credible and verifiable elections.