- Safiu Kehinde
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described the Senate’s decision to reverse the rejection of the electronic transmission of election results as a testament of Nigerians’ resilience, vigilance, and political consciousness.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the ADC’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.
ADC maintained that beyond just reversal of decision, the development demonstrated the strength in collective efforts by citizens, which in this context referred to the protests and public backlash that met the red chamber’s initial rejection of the provision for mandatory e-transmission of results.
“The decision of the 10th Senate to urgently reverse the contentious provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill is a significant victory for the Nigerian people. It demonstrates, in the clearest possible terms, that when citizens act with unity, clarity of purpose, and resolve, they can indeed move mountains.
“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. From the street protests to the digital campaigns, the Nigerian people have once again shown that sovereignty truly belongs to them.
“In the face of the ruling APC’s habitual disregard for due process and democratic values, the Nigerian people have reaffirmed their place as the ultimate custodians of our democracy to resist.” The statement partly read.
While commending Nigerians who raised their voices over what it described as legislative mischief, the ADC however urged the public not relent until President Bola Tinubu assented the bill.
It called for continued vigilance in the course of the bill assentation and publication.
“This is only a step forward. We must now ensure that this momentum is sustained until the amended Bill is not only passed but duly assented to by the President, properly gazetted, and becomes an enforceable law of the Federal Republic.
“We must remain vigilant to ensure there are no last-minute betrayals or technical ambiguities – the kind that often lead to “stories that touch.”
“Let this be a reminder: democracy does not thrive in silence or indifference. It demands participation, persistence, and sometimes, peaceful defiance.
“The ADC reiterates that the price of democracy is eternal vigilance.” The statement added.