Electoral Act 2026: ADC tackles Akpabio, says law promotes certificate forgery

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over his recent remarks dismissing opposition concerns about the Electoral Act 2026, describing the development as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.

Akpabio had reportedly said he feels excited and believes the Senate has made the right laws whenever opposition parties complain about legislation passed by the National Assembly. He made the comment during a reception for the wife of the President, Remi Tinubu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday, the ADC, through its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the opposition does not criticise government actions for the sake of it, but because certain provisions in the Electoral Act 2026 were allegedly introduced to weaken other political parties and undermine democratic principles.

The party particularly faulted the aspect of the law which, according to it, removes certificate forgery as a ground for challenging election results, warning that such a provision could damage Nigeria’s democratic reputation.

According to Abdullahi, amendments to laws are expected to strengthen national institutions and advance the collective interests of citizens, not lower ethical standards in public life.

He argued that the provision allegedly contradicts sections of the Nigerian Constitution which disqualify individuals who submit forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding public office.

The ADC said the amendment creates a constitutional conflict and sends a dangerous signal that dishonesty in public office could go unpunished.

The party also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of pushing the legislation to protect political interests, adding that such actions could erode public trust in Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

While responding to Akpabio’s remarks about opposition criticism, the party maintained that Nigerians would ultimately judge leaders by their records rather than their reactions to dissenting voices.

ADC further stated that it remains focused on building a credible political alternative capable of restoring integrity, competence and accountability in governance.

It added that history would eventually judge those who defend democratic principles and those who undermine them.