ADC criticises Senate President Godswill Akpabio, saying his 2026 Electoral Act remarks reveal bias in favour of the ruling party

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his recent remarks celebrating opposition discontent with the 2026 Electoral Act.

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Akpabio, speaking at a reception for President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Remi Tinubu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, said: “Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that I’ve made the right law.”

Reacting on Sunday, ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi condemned the statement, arguing that it demonstrated the law was designed to benefit the ruling party and President Tinubu at the expense of democratic principles.

The party highlighted provisions of the Electoral Act 2026 that, in its view, protect dishonesty, weaken opposition parties, and undermine public confidence in the nation’s democracy.

ADC specifically criticised the removal of certificate forgery as a valid ground to challenge election results, describing it as a “serious constitutional conflict.”

“The embedded logic of this statement exposes the subterfuge behind the entire business of the Electoral Amendment. It was all designed to make the ruling party and the President happy,” the statement read.

ADC further warned that Akpabio should anticipate “harsh judgment from history” for presiding over legislation that, according to the party, lowers ethical standards and prioritises political advantage over national interest.

“How can any self-respecting person be happy presiding over a law that allows elections to stand despite certificate forgery, directly contradicting multiple constitutional provisions?” the statement asked, referring to Sections 66, 107, 137, and 182 of the Constitution.

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The party concluded that the amendments highlight the lengths to which a desperate political party might go to manipulate the system, eroding trust in democratic governance.