The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the National Assembly over proposed amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, describing the move to alter provisions on the mandatory electronic transmission of results as a “treacherous betrayal” of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the opposition party accused the Senate of adopting what it termed an anti-democratic posture and faulted the House of Representatives for what it described as a sudden reversal of its earlier position on the matter.
The PDP argued that any attempt to dilute the requirement for electronic transmission of election results from polling units undermines transparency and erodes public confidence in the electoral process. It maintained that Nigerians had overwhelmingly demanded the adoption of electronic transmission to safeguard the integrity of elections.
According to the party, the amendment strikes at the heart of democratic accountability and reflects disregard for the electorate. It described the justifications advanced by lawmakers for introducing what it called a restrictive proviso as weak and unconvincing.
The opposition party further warned that weakening transparency mechanisms ahead of elections could create avenues for manipulation, insisting that the National Assembly, as a representative body, is constitutionally obligated to reflect the will of the majority of its constituents.
The PDP also criticised the proposed restriction of party primaries to direct and consensus methods, describing it as an intrusion into the internal affairs of political parties. It cited established judicial precedents affirming party autonomy in managing internal processes and characterised the provision as ultra vires.
Additionally, the party questioned the stance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), arguing that any party confident of popular support should embrace measures that enhance electoral transparency.
The PDP called on Nigerians, organised labour and civil society organisations to employ lawful means to register their opposition to the proposed amendments, urging lawmakers to reconsider their position in the interest of preserving democratic gains.
