Some prominent opposition figures, led by the ADC and NNPP, gathered in Abuja today, making what the Presidency described as reckless and unfounded allegations against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC-led Federal Government.
According to the statement, the opposition—particularly the ADC—has made a habit of issuing what it termed irresponsible political remarks in a bid to generate headlines and mislead the public.
The Presidency further alleged that, in collaboration with certain civil society groups, opposition elements have mounted a sustained campaign of disinformation against the National Assembly and the administration. It maintained that the legislature remains the constitutionally empowered arm of government responsible for lawmaking in the interest of good governance.
Addressing concerns over the amended Electoral Act, the statement noted that the National Assembly introduced provisions for real-time transmission of election results, while retaining Form EC8A as a backup in the event of network failure. It described claims that Form EC8A creates a loophole for manipulation as illogical and misplaced.
The statement emphasised that the 2026 Electoral Act does not prohibit real-time transmission of results but provides that where technical transmission fails, the result recorded on Form EC8A shall be deemed valid. It also clarified that the IReV (INEC Results Viewing Portal) is not a collation centre but a public viewing platform, while Form EC8 remains the primary legal source for validating election results.
On party primaries, the Presidency faulted opposition parties for rejecting direct primaries and consensus voting. It argued that removing delegate-based primaries restores decision-making power to party members and strengthens internal democracy. The statement added that direct primaries are consistent with practices in countries operating presidential systems, such as the United States.
The Presidency dismissed allegations that the National Assembly ignored public input in amending the law, stating that over two years, lawmakers consulted stakeholders, experts, and Nigerians who raised concerns about the risk of technical failures undermining elections.
It also rejected claims that President Tinubu intends to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, describing the assertion as baseless. The statement noted that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy with more than a dozen registered political parties, including ADC and NNPP. It added that President Tinubu’s political history reflects his longstanding commitment to democratic competition.
According to the Presidency, the newly signed Electoral Act strengthens the electoral framework by addressing perceived loopholes in the repealed law. It concluded that opposition parties should focus on internal reforms rather than “constant lamentation and unwarranted outrage.”
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
No comments:
Post a Comment