FG Calls on Opposition Parties to Stay Focused, Stop Campaign Against Electoral Act and APC
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The Federal Government has called on opposition parties to remain focused and desist from what it described as a sustained campaign of misinformation against the amended Electoral Act and the APC-led administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This follows a press conference held in Abuja by prominent opposition figures, including members of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), where allegations were made against the President and the government.
Allegations Described as Reckless
The government described the opposition’s statements as reckless and spurious, accusing them of attempting to attract headlines and mislead the public.
It further alleged that certain opposition elements, working with some civil society groups, have engaged in a campaign of disinformation targeting the National Assembly and seeking to undermine legislative authority.
Clarification on Electoral Act Amendments
According to the government, the amendment to the Electoral Act provides for real-time transmission of election results, while recognising Form EC8A as a backup in the event of network failure.
The opposition’s claim that the backup provision creates a loophole for manipulation was described as illogical, with officials noting that network disruptions are a known reality in parts of the country.
The government clarified that the IReV (INEC Results Viewing Portal) is designed for public viewing of uploaded results and does not serve as a collation centre. It maintained that Form EC8 remains the primary legal document for validating election outcomes.
Debate Over Direct Primaries
The opposition also criticised the inclusion of direct primaries and consensus voting in the amended law. However, the Federal Government defended the reforms, arguing that direct primaries enhance internal party democracy and reduce reliance on delegate-based systems.
Officials stated that the National Assembly engaged stakeholders, technical experts, and members of the public over a two-year period before finalising the amendments, dismissing claims that public opinion was ignored.
Rejection of One-Party State Allegation
The Federal Government also rejected assertions that President Tinubu seeks to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, describing the claim as unfounded. It emphasised that Nigeria remains a multiparty democracy with numerous registered political parties.
According to the statement, the amended Electoral Act represents an improvement over the repealed law, aimed at strengthening transparency and preventing manipulation.
Call for Political Maturity
The government urged opposition leaders to focus on strengthening their internal structures rather than engaging in what it termed unnecessary outrage over electoral reforms.
It maintained that the revised Electoral Act is designed to enhance credibility, protect the integrity of elections, and support democratic governance in Nigeria.
