Peter Obi criticizes electoral law changes, warns against undermining accountability
Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has criticized recent changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws, warning that they undermine accountability and ethical leadership in the country.
In a post on his verified X handle on Friday, Obi highlighted what he described as a troubling contradiction in the political system. He noted that while lawmakers have proposed fines of N10 million and up to two years in prison for dual political party membership, they have simultaneously removed certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging an election in a tribunal.
“This is in direct contradiction to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended),” Obi said, questioning the priorities of the political system.
“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,” he added.
Obi emphasised that the current system appears to protect political structures rather than uphold truth. “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 said.
He further stated, “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.”
Obi concluded by asserting that, “A New Nigeria is possible.”
