A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State and senatorial aspirant, Barrister Olumuyiwa Adu, has hailed the amended Electoral Act as a major step toward deepening internal democracy and strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
Speaking in an interview with journalists in Akure, the state capital, Adu said the reforms introduced in the amended law have expanded participation at the grassroots level and reduced the influence of political imposition, particularly in the conduct of party primaries and congresses.
According to him, the Act has created a more competitive political environment where party members can directly determine their candidates, rather than leaving the process in the hands of a few influential leaders.
He noted that the shift toward direct primaries reflects the spirit of inclusiveness embedded in the amended legislation.
Adu argued that democracy thrives on divergent opinions and healthy opposition, stressing that the amended Act has provided a legal framework for checks and balances within political parties.
“We may not get it right at all times, but the existence of structures that allow for participation and contestation is a sign of democratic growth,” he said.
He explained that the amended Electoral Act clearly recognizes the supervisory role of INEC in party primaries and congresses, adding that any gathering outside the purview of the electoral body may not enjoy legal recognition.
He added “Once the umpire is present and observes the process, that is what stands in law."
Addressing concerns about electronic transmission of results, Adu said the Act made provisions to accommodate practical challenges, including potential technical setbacks. He noted that the law allows flexibility while preserving the integrity of results generated at polling units.
He further explained that whether results are transmitted electronically or manually, aggrieved parties retain the constitutional right to challenge outcomes in court. According to him, the emphasis should be on transparency at the polling unit level, where votes are counted and recorded.
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