ADC Berates Akpabio Over Electoral Act Defence, Claims Law Encourages Forgery

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his remarks dismissing opposition concerns about the Electoral Act 2026, alleging that the amended law could encourage certificate forgery and weaken Nigeria’s democratic standards.

The opposition party said Akpabio should expect harsh judgment from history for presiding over legislation that allegedly removes certificate forgery as grounds for challenging election results.

Akpabio had reportedly made the remarks on Saturday in Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during a reception organised in honour of Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu. The Senate President was quoted as saying he felt satisfied that the National Assembly had done the right thing whenever opposition parties criticised its legislative decisions.

However, reacting in a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said the opposition was raising concerns because certain provisions in the Electoral Act amendment were designed to undermine democracy and weaken other political parties.

“The opposition does not complain for the sake of it,” Abdullahi said. “We raise objections because provisions have been introduced into the law that could cripple other political parties, undermine the nation’s democracy, and lower Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of the world.”

The party particularly faulted the aspect of the amendment which it claimed removes certificate forgery as a valid ground for challenging election outcomes.

According to the ADC, such a provision contradicts sections of the Nigerian Constitution which disqualify anyone who presents a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding public office.

Abdullahi argued that the amendment creates a constitutional conflict and sends a dangerous signal that dishonesty in public life may no longer attract serious consequences.

“It is difficult to imagine a more damaging message to send to Nigerians, particularly young people, than the suggestion that certificate forgery should no longer have serious consequences,” he said.

The party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pushing legislation aimed at protecting political interests rather than strengthening democratic institutions.

ADC maintained that despite the remarks from the Senate President, it would remain focused on building what it described as a credible political alternative capable of restoring integrity and accountability in governance.

It added that Nigerians would ultimately judge political leaders by their records and the impact of their actions on the country’s democratic development.