By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has commended the Senate for reversing contentious provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill, describing the development as a victory for Nigerian citizens and a testament to the power of sustained civic engagement.
In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi on Tuesday, the ADC said the Senate’s decision to make a U-turn followed intense pressure from Nigerians across the country and demonstrated that public opinion can still shape legislative outcomes in a democracy.
“The decision of the 10th Senate to urgently reverse the contentious provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill that it passed is a significant victory for the Nigerian people,” the party said, adding that the move showed that “when citizens act with unity, clarity of purpose and resolve, they can indeed move mountains.”
The ADC noted that the reversal came after days of coordinated protests and advocacy by civil society organisations (CSOs), pro-democracy groups, opposition parties and prominent political figures who opposed the Senate’s earlier rejection of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
The Senate had initially come under fire after removing provisions that would have made real-time electronic transmission of results from polling units compulsory, a move widely criticised as a setback to electoral transparency and democratic consolidation. The decision triggered protests in Abuja and other major cities, with demonstrators demanding the restoration of the provision and warning that its removal would undermine public confidence in future elections.
CSOs, youth groups and activists took to the streets with placards, while several well-known political figures openly aligned with the protests, either by joining demonstrations or issuing public statements condemning the Senate’s action. Online campaigns also gained momentum, amplifying calls for lawmakers to reverse what critics described as an anti-democratic decision.
According to the ADC, the combination of street protests, digital advocacy and political pressure forced the Senate to reconsider its position.
“This outcome is not merely a legislative U-turn. It is a testament to the resilience, vigilance and rising political consciousness of Nigerians across all walks of life,” the party said.
The ADC commended Nigerians who participated in the protests, whether physically or online, noting that their actions reaffirmed the principle that sovereignty ultimately resides with the people.
However, the party cautioned that the reversal should not mark the end of public engagement on the matter. It urged Nigerians to remain vigilant until the amended Electoral Bill is fully passed, assented to by the President, properly gazetted and becomes enforceable law.
“This is only a step forward,” the statement said. “We must ensure that there are no last-minute betrayals or technical ambiguities that could undermine the spirit of the reforms.”
The ADC added that the episode should serve as a reminder that democracy requires constant participation and oversight by citizens, stressing that peaceful protest and sustained advocacy remain legitimate tools for holding public institutions accountable.
