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ABUJA – The African Democratic Congress (ADC) says the 10th Senate’s decision to reverse disputed provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill underscores the strength of sustained civic resistance and the limits of partisan overreach.
This is even as what began as a controversial legislative move inside the chambers of the National Assembly has ended, at least for now, as a moment of relief for Nigerians demanding electoral transparency.
The ADC, in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, described the Senate’s action as a clear response to intense public pressure, driven by citizens who refused to remain silent.
The party said the reversal stands as evidence that organised public engagement, both online and on the streets, can compel accountability even at the highest levels of power.
The party, however, cautioned that the Senate’s retreat should not be mistaken for the end of the struggle.
It urged Nigerians to maintain pressure until the legislative process is fully completed, including presidential assent and formal gazetting of the amended bill.
According to the statement, the ADC views the development not simply as a procedural correction but as a broader democratic signal.
It stressed that the episode reflects a growing political awareness among Nigerians who are increasingly willing to challenge decisions perceived as harmful to electoral integrity.
The statement reads: “The decision of the 10th Senate to urgently reverse the contentious provisions of the Electoral Amendment Bill that it passed is a significant victory for the Nigerian people. It demonstrates, in the clearest possible terms, that when citizens act with unity, clarity of purpose, and resolve, they can indeed move mountains.
“This outcome is not merely a legislative U-turn. It is a testament to the resilience, vigilance, and rising political consciousness of Nigerians across all walks of life. From street protests to digital campaigns, the Nigerian people have once again shown that sovereignty truly belongs to them.
“In the face of the ruling APC’s habitual disregard for due process and democratic values, the Nigerian people have reaffirmed their place as the ultimate custodians of our democracy.
“In this regard, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) salutes the courage and tenacity of Nigerians. We commend every citizen who raised their voice, whether online or offline, to resist legislative mischief that threatened to undermine our electoral integrity.
“However, we must not relent. This is only a step forward.
“We must now ensure that this momentum is sustained until the amended Bill is not only passed but duly assented to by the President, properly gazetted, and becomes an enforceable law of the Federal Republic.
“We must remain vigilant to ensure there are no last-minute betrayals or technical ambiguities, the kind that often lead to stories that touch.”
The ADC further said: “Let this be a reminder that democracy does not thrive in silence or indifference. It demands participation, persistence, and sometimes, peaceful defiance.”
The ADC reiterated that the price of democracy is eternal vigilance.
Beyond celebrating the Senate’s reversal, the ADC framed the moment as a warning and a lesson, arguing that democratic gains are fragile and can easily be eroded if citizens disengage too early.
“For the party, the latest development is proof that vigilance, not apathy, remains the strongest safeguard of Nigeria’s democratic process,” ADC said.
