Obi Challenges New Electoral Rules
Presidential hopeful of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has criticised recent changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws, saying the revisions weaken accountability and reduce the standard of leadership in the country.
He shared his concerns on Friday through a post on his verified X account.
Obi said the changes create a contradiction in the political system. According to him, lawmakers are proposing heavy penalties for politicians who belong to more than one political party, while at the same time removing certificate forgery, age falsification and false declarations as reasons to challenge an election result at a tribunal.
He said, “This is in direct contradiction to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended).”
He also questioned the direction of the political system, saying, “In any serious democracy, the gravest offense in public life is deceiving the people to gain power.
Submitting false documents, falsifying one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are among the most serious offenses in any democracy.
“Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution.”
Obi argued that the focus of the law should be on protecting truth and integrity in public office. He said, “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.”
He added, “Laws should strengthen democracy, not weaken it. They should promote ethical leadership rather than lower standards for those who aspire to govern.
“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 behavior.” He concluded by saying, “A New Nigeria is possible.”
