The interim National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has cautioned Senate President Godswill Akpabio against speaking on behalf of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over the issue of electronic transmission of election results.
Mark’s reaction follows Akpabio’s defence of the Senate’s decision to drop mandatory electronic transmission, with the Senate president arguing that poor network coverage in at least nine states makes the policy impracticable.
Addressing the matter in Abuja, the former Senate president said the responsibility of lawmakers is to enact the law and leave its implementation to INEC.
“What the ADC is saying is, pass the law, and there should be electronic transmission. Let INEC decide whether they can do it (real-time electronic transmission) or not,” Mark said.
He stressed that the Senate should focus on its constitutional role rather than pre-empting the electoral body.
“Don’t speak for INEC. Speak for the National Assembly. What the public wants is let there be electronic transmission,” he added.
According to Mark, if INEC encounters challenges in implementing real-time electronic transmission, that burden should rest with the commission, not the legislature.
“Now if INEC cannot do it, it’s their own problem and not for you to speak for INEC. It’s as simple as that but that is just a by-the-way issue, it’s not a serious issue,” he said.
Mark maintained that Nigerians overwhelmingly support electronic transmission of results, insisting that the law should reflect the will of the people.
