The Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned the rushed signing of the contentious Electoral Act as amended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite protests from concerned Nigerians over sections of the document that may allegedly favour the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, said in a statement issued on Wednesday night that the “hurried grant of a presidential assent to the contentious bill as passed by both chambers of the National Assembly, despite the widespread opposition by Nigerians, is a confirmation of the fact that this was a well-choreographed drama by the APC.
“The party’s fear of the inevitable defeat from a free and fair election is palpable, and they are unable to conceal it again. This is indeed a sad day for democracy.
“The Nigerian people have been dealt a bad card, which existentially threatens democracy.
“The President has shown his inability to rise above partisanship in the art of governance,” the short statement concluded.
Also, PDP has condemned the National Assembly’s amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, describing it as a “treacherous betrayal” of Nigerians.
The PDP said the Senate and House of Representatives’ decision to dilute the mandatory electronic transmission of election results from polling units translated into a blow to democracy and electoral sanctity.
The party expressed disappointment with the lawmakers, saying they have shown disdain for the Nigerian people who voted them into office.
In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong Essien, the PDP described the excuses given for the amendment as “weak, illogical, and insulting to the’ intelligence of Nigerians,” adding that it is a clear attempt to create room for electoral manipulation.
The party accused the National Assembly of violating the foundation of legislative representation, which is anchored on mirroring the wishes of the majority of their constituents.
Also, the PDP condemned the restriction of party primaries to Direct and Consensus methods, saying it is a blatant intrusion into the internal affairs of political parties.
The party questioned the ruling party’s support for the amendment, describing it as a sign of fear of impending defeat in a free and fair election.
The PDP urged Nigerians, labour unions, and Civil Society Organizations to express their displeasure over the National Assembly’s actions and call for immediate reconsideration.
The party emphasized that democracy must not be allowed to decline due to retrogressive politicians masquerading as legislators.
The PDP vowed to continue fighting for proper electoral reform and transparency, warning that Nigerians will hold the lawmakers accountable for their actions.
(Daily Champion)
