The African Democratic Congress has praised Nigerian citizens for their role in forcing the 10th Senate to reverse controversial provisions in the Electoral Amendment Bill, describing the development as a victory for democracy and people-powered civic action.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC called on Nigerians to stay alert and continue mounting pressure on relevant authorities until the amended bill secures presidential assent, is duly gazetted, and takes full legal effect.

Following several days of protests led by opposition figures, including 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and numerous Nigerians, the Senate endorsed the electronic transmission of election results to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal, with manual collation allowed only as a contingency in cases of technological failure.

The move came after lawmakers revisited a contentious provision in the Electoral Act Amendment Bill during an emergency plenary session on Tuesday.

In its reaction, the ADC stated that the development goes beyond a simple legislative reversal, describing it as a reflection of the resilience, alertness, and growing political awareness of Nigerians from all segments of society.

The party said, “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.

“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 street protests to 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.

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In this regard, the African Democratic Congress “salutes the courage and tenacity of Nigerians. We commend every citizen who raised their voice, whether online or offline, to resist legislative mischief that threatened to undermine our electoral integrity.”

The ADC called on Nigerians to remain steadfast, stressing that the development represents only a step in the right direction, not the final victory.

“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 that democracy does not thrive in silence or indifference. It demands participation, persistence, and sometimes, peaceful defiance.” (The PUNCH)

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