Give assent to electoral act, ADP tells Buhari

The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to sign the amended electoral act.

Buhari has refused assent to the amended electoral bill four times, saying the proposed law would usurp the constitutional powers of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to decide on election matters.

In a statement to mark democracy day on Friday, Adelaja Adeoye, national publicity secretary of ADP, said the amended electoral act will strengthen and give more credibility to future elections.

The party said for true democracy to reflect in the country, electoral process that will enhance democratic space must be strengthened.

“June 12, was a struggle for the emancipation of our country, from brutal dictators, and those with power, who never wanted oppositions. Those who made our return to democracy possible must always be celebrated through the enhancement of our democratic space,” the party said.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as a matter of federal legislation, must be able to conduct free and fair elections that will be technologically driven, as the world system is gradually changing.

“There must be seamlessly voting, which must include e-voting, and work on making snatching of ballot boxes useless, with the use of e-screening and transmission of results from polling units to central server.

“The party also charged President Buhari to spur into actions as a former military general to end all the needless killings by insurgents and bandits across Nigeria.

“The party however called on all Nigerians to keep hope alive that there will always be a way out, urging them to remain resolute in their quest for a better country regardless of the present situation. ADP as an alternative will help but Nigerians must collaborate with them.”