Removal of Certificate Forgery Clause Undermines Nigeria’s Electoral Accountability

Recent amendments to Nigeria’s Electoral Act have eliminated certificate forgery as a ground for challenging election results under Section 138. This change may appear minor, but it threatens the credibility of our democratic process by shielding unqualified candidates from scrutiny. From my years in politics, I’ve seen aspirants exploit weak party checks to advance with dubious credentials. Coupled with steep penalties for off-basis petitions, the law now discourages citizens from seeking justice and weakens accountability. Civil society groups have warned that this loophole erodes transparency. Lawmakers must act swiftly to restore the forgery clause, strengthen verification systems, and keep justice within reach. Open, accountable elections are the bedrock of Nigeria’s democracy.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.