Former presidential candidate and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Peter Obi, has strongly criticised recent amendments to the Electoral Act 2026, describing the removal of certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging an election as a dangerous contradiction to Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.
Akahi News gathered that Obi, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, accused the President Bola Tinubu-led administration of failing to uphold integrity and accountability in public office.
Lawmakers’ Amendments Draw Sharp Criticism
Mr. Obi highlighted a perceived inconsistency in the amendments, noting that while the House of Representatives had introduced a ₦10 million fine and a potential two-year prison term for politicians holding dual party membership, it simultaneously removed serious grounds—including certificate forgery—from election petitions.
According to Obi, this amendment directly contradicts the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and undermines the principle of truth and accountability in public service.
“A nation cannot rise above the integrity of its leaders. If we truly want a better Nigeria, our laws must defend truth, character, competence, and accountability. We cannot continue to tolerate criminal behaviour,” Obi stated.
Protecting Democracy Through Ethical Leadership
The ADC leader described deceiving the electorate to gain power as one of the gravest offences in any democracy. He emphasised that submitting false documents, falsifying ages, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities should automatically disqualify candidates and attract criminal prosecution.
“In any serious democracy, the gravest offence in public life is deceiving the people to gain power. Certificate forgery, falsifying age, and dishonest declarations are serious offences that threaten the very foundation of governance,” Obi added.
He further questioned the priorities of Nigeria’s political system, arguing that recent amendments appear more concerned with shielding political structures than upholding transparency and justice.
“There is no justification for prioritising punishment for party alignment over punishing false certificates, forgery, and other forms of deception in the pursuit of public office,” Obi said.
Calls for Lawmakers to Uphold Integrity
Peter Obi insisted that laws should strengthen democratic governance rather than weaken it. He urged lawmakers to ensure that legal frameworks promote ethical leadership and discourage deceit among those aspiring to govern.
Akahi News gathered that Obi’s comments come amid growing public discourse on the need for electoral reforms that balance political accountability with fairness, emphasizing the protection of constitutional rights and democratic integrity.
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here: https://akahinews.org/Joseph/
🎓 Attend 2026 JAMB, Post-UTME, WAEC, and NECO GCE Tutorials
Get fully prepared with expert tutors, comprehensive study materials, and personalised academic guidance at Akahi Tutors.
📍 Located at 67, Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife.
📞 Call: 08038644328
for enrollment and accommodation reservation.
Akahi News www.akahinews.org
