ABUJA — The Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Clement Nwankwo, has raised a fresh alarm over the integrity of the National Assembly’s recent legislative process, alleging that the resolution rejecting mandatory electronic transmission of election results does not reflect the will of the majority of Senators.
Speaking on the heels of the Senate’s controversial vote on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, Nwankwo described the mood of the nation as one of “shock and depression.” He questioned the procedural transparency of the 10th Senate, suggesting that the leadership may have maneuvered the outcome despite widespread internal dissent.
‘How Did It Pass?’ — A Question of Procedure
Nwankwo argued that the Senate leadership intentionally delayed the presentation of the report from its own electoral committee, leading to a rushed and unrepresentative conclusion.
“It’s an understatement to say Nigerians are disappointed… Nigerians are shocked and depressed by that outcome,” Nwankwo stated. “Interestingly, many senators didn’t agree with what was passed. We must ask ourselves how it passed when the majority of senators disagreed with it.”
Opposition Slams ‘Renewed Rigging Plan’
The PLAC Director’s observations align with a blistering statement released by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which characterized the Senate’s action as a “renewed rigging plan” by the ruling APC.
The ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, accused the Senate of “mutilating” the nation’s electoral laws to facilitate malpractice in 2027. “The APC is mortally afraid of subjecting themselves to a free and fair election because of the unprecedented suffering they have visited on Nigerians,” the party added.
The Legislative Divide
The controversy highlights a growing rift within the National Assembly. While the Senate has rejected mandatory electronic transmission, the House of Representatives is reportedly leaning toward its inclusion.
- The Conference Committee: The fate of the bill now rests with a Joint Conference Committee, which must harmonize the two versions.
- Civil Society Pressure: Groups led by Nwankwo are urging the committee to “overturn the Senate’s submission” and adopt a version that aligns with voter aspirations for transparency.
Broader Implications for 2027
The struggle over the Electoral Act comes amidst a backdrop of severe economic and security challenges. Critics argue that the government’s focus on legislative “tampering” is a distraction from the ₦152 trillion national debt and the bloodshed in states like Katsina and Benue.
With the arraignment of former AGF Abubakar Malami for allegedly shielding terror financiers, public trust in state institutions is at a record low. Analysts warn that if the “majority” of senators were indeed bypassed on a matter as critical as result transmission, the legitimacy of the 2027 “Patriotic Assignment” will be fundamentally compromised.
