Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has criticised lawmakers over proposed changes to Nigeria’s electoral laws, warning that the move could weaken democratic accountability and shield electoral misconduct.
In a statement issued on March 13, 2026, Obi expressed concern over what he described as a troubling contradiction in the country’s political system.
“Nigeria is facing a troubling contradiction. What type of country are we trying to bequeath for our children?” Obi said.
He faulted lawmakers for proposing stiff penalties for politicians who hold membership in two political parties while simultaneously removing certificate forgery, age falsification and false declarations as grounds for challenging election outcomes at tribunals.
“The same lawmakers who have proposed a fine of ₦10 million and up to two years in prison for dual political party membership 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),” he said.
The former Anambra State governor argued that in any serious democracy, deceiving voters to gain political power should rank among the gravest offences in public life.
“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,” Obi said.
According to him, such acts should automatically disqualify offenders from public office and attract criminal prosecution.
“Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution,” he added.
Obi warned that the current direction of electoral reforms appears to protect political interests rather than promote truth and accountability.
“Yet today, our electoral system seems more focused on protecting political structures than on upholding the truth,” he said.
He stressed that punishing party alignment while ignoring document falsification sends the wrong message about the country’s democratic values.
“There is no justification for prioritizing punishment for party alignment over punishing false certificates, forgery, and other forms of deception in the pursuit of public office.”
Obi urged lawmakers to ensure that legislation strengthens democratic institutions rather than lowering ethical standards for public leadership.
“Laws should strengthen democracy, not weaken it. They should promote ethical leadership rather than lower standards for those who aspire to govern,” he stated.
He concluded by warning that the nation’s progress depends largely on the integrity of its leaders.
“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 reiterated his longstanding reform message, declaring that “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
