The President of the United States of America (USA), Mr Donald Trump, has been alerted to alleged plans by Nigerian lawmakers to subvert the will of the people during the 2027 general election in Nigeria.
Earlier this week, ADC Fellows, one of the support groups of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) wrote a letter to President Trump through the US Embassy in Abuja, appealing to the American president to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from actions of the National Assembly.
The ADC Fellows told Trump in a letter signed by its National Coordinator, Taiwo Adelu, that “we are saddened to bring to your attention developments we believe are threatening democratic values in Nigeria.
“The National Assembly has moved to remove provisions for the electronic transmission of election results live from the electoral law, a decision many Nigerians fear could create opportunities for manipulation at polling units and collation centres, thereby undermining the will of the electorate.
“It will be recalled that during the 2023 presidential election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to transmit presidential election results electronically in real time, despite successfully transmitting National Assembly election results conducted on the same day. The explanation provided was a technical glitch, though this issue did not affect the legislative elections.
“Your Excellency, when elections are perceived as manipulated, leadership that emerges often struggles to command public trust or prioritise citizens’ welfare. Many Nigerians believe this challenge is already affecting governance today.
“Opposition lawmakers and civil society organisations protested these legislative changes, arguing that the electoral law should preserve electronic transmission of results in real time. Despite these objections, the leadership of the National Assembly proceeded with the amendment, which many citizens see as harmful to Nigeria’s still-developing democracy.
“In light of your global advocacy for democratic principles, we respectfully appeal for your attention and possible diplomatic engagement on this matter. We humbly request consideration of measures that may encourage accountability, including:
“Further consideration of travel restrictions against individuals found responsible for actions that undermine democratic processes.
“Consideration of financial restrictions in jurisdictions under your influence where wrongdoing is established.
“We therefore appeal for international support in preserving democratic integrity in Nigeria and ensuring that electoral outcomes reflect the true will of the people.
“We look forward to your kind consideration of this petition as a deterrent to actions perceived as harmful to democratic development in Nigeria.”