Parties oppose exclusion of certificate forgery from Electoral Ac
Opposition political parties, including the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), have rejected moves to exclude certificate forgery as a ground for disqualification in Nigeria’s Electoral Act.
The parties described the development as a threat to electoral integrity and accountability, warning that such a provision could weaken democratic standards and embolden unqualified candidates to seek public office.
Speaking on the issue, party leaders and stakeholders expressed concern that removing certificate forgery from the list of disqualifying offences would undermine public trust in the electoral process. They argued that academic and credential integrity remains a critical benchmark for assessing candidates’ suitability for leadership positions.
A spokesperson for one of the parties noted that the move, if allowed to stand, could “legitimise dishonesty in the political system” and erode the credibility of elections in the country.
The parties called on the National Assembly to reconsider any proposed amendments that seek to downplay or remove certificate-related infractions, urging lawmakers to prioritise transparency and accountability.
They further stressed the need for stronger, not weaker, provisions in the Electoral Act to ensure that only qualified and credible individuals are allowed to contest elections.
Civil society organisations have also weighed in, aligning with the parties’ position and calling for wider consultations before any changes are made to the law.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions on electoral reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes.
