James Adamu
A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, Tutaki has accused the National Assembly of betraying the Nigerian electorate over amendments to the Electoral Act 2022, specifically condemning the removal of mandatory electronic transmission of election results.
In a fiery statement issued on Wednesday, the Tutaki-led faction described the decision by the Senate and the House of Representatives as “an act of treachery” against Nigerians who had overwhelmingly demanded transparency in the electoral process.
The faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, signed the statement titled “Electoral Act Amendment: A Treacherous Betrayal of Nigerians,” in which the group expressed shock at what it called a “sudden somersault” by lawmakers.
“This betrayal is most painful because it strikes the core of democracy and electoral sanctity,” the statement read. “The shocking aspect of the whole drama is the brazen manner in which the legislators actedโthey clearly showed disdain for the Nigerian people who voted them into office by openly challenging the supremacy of the voters.”
The faction argued that the excuses advanced for inserting what it termed an “obnoxious proviso” were weak, illogical, and insulting to the intelligence of Nigerians. It suggested that the removal of mandatory electronic transmission was a calculated attempt to create room for electoral manipulation.
“When lawmakers begin to dilute transparency mechanisms ahead of elections, only one conclusion is rational: there is a calculated attempt to create room for electoral manipulation,” the group stated.
Party Primaries Restriction ‘Ultra Vires’
Beyond the transmission clause, the Tutaki-led faction also took issue with the amendment restricting party primaries to Direct and Consensus methods.
The group described this as a blatant intrusion into the internal affairs of political parties, noting that the Supreme Court has consistently affirmed the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal processes.
“This provision is therefore ultra vires, and the attempt to constrict political parties is condemnable,” the statement added.
The faction also directed sharp criticism at the ruling All Progressives Congress, alleging that the party’s support for the amendment revealed a fear of impending defeat.
“If the ruling party truly believes it enjoys the support it claims, it should welcome every mechanism that guarantees transparency. Their shameless support for this anomaly shows their fear of impending defeat in a free and fair election,” the statement read.
Drawing a contrast with the APC’s previous stance, the faction noted: “It is most shameful that a party that demanded electronic voting in 2015 is now unwilling and unprepared to have electronic transmission of resultsโthis is a crying shame.”
The faction concluded its statement by calling on Nigerians, organised labour, and Civil Society Organisations to use all lawful means to express their displeasure over the actions of the National Assembly.
“This hard-won democracy must not be allowed to suffer decline in the hands of retrogressive politicians, masking as legislators,” the group warned.
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