|By Chinwendu Nwani
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa Central and Ibarapa North Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, Anthony Adepoju, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to subvert the will of Nigerians following the National Assembly’s decision to retain manual transmission of election results.
Adepoju made the allegation on Tuesday during an interview on Arise Television, reacting to the chaotic proceedings in the Green Chamber over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Tensions flared in the House of Representatives as lawmakers fiercely disagreed over a motion seeking to rescind the earlier passage of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill. The disagreement triggered a rowdy session, culminating in a dramatic reversal amid sharp divisions between APC lawmakers and opposition members over the mode of transmitting election results.
The controversy centers on the retention of manual transmission of election results, a move critics argue could undermine electoral transparency and credibility.
Speaking during the interview, Adepoju, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Character Commission, declared that the events on the floor of the House reflected a deliberate attempt by the APC to override public sentiment.
“We want Nigeria to have trust in our democracy and elect the leaders that they want,” Adepoju said.
“What played out in the National Assembly is the APC trying to go against what Nigerians want.
“I think Nigerians all saw what happened at the floor of the House. It was definitely not bipartisan.
“What happened, I can tell you, was nothing short of a rape of our democracy. This is something we have worked hard for since 1999.
“And if we at this point of our democracy can be thinking of having elections that may not be free and fair, then it’s a big shame.”
The heated debate over the Electoral Act Amendment Bill has reignited concerns about electoral integrity as political actors begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections. Observers warn that disagreements over the transmission of election results could further polarize the legislature and erode public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
