The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his comments dismissing opposition objections to the Electoral Act 2026, saying the remarks reflect the ruling party’s disregard for democratic principles.
Akpabio had reportedly made the comments on Saturday during a reception for the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. At the event, the Senate President said he was excited when opposition parties complained about legislation, adding that such criticism confirmed that the National Assembly had done the right thing.
However, reacting in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said opposition parties raise concerns not for political theatrics but because certain provisions in the law were introduced to weaken other political parties and undermine Nigeria’s democracy.
According to the party, the controversial amendment to the Electoral Act, particularly the provision removing certificate forgery as a ground for challenging election results, represents a dangerous precedent that could damage the country’s democratic standards.
“The opposition does not complain for the sake of complaining,” Abdullahi said. “We raise concerns because provisions have been inserted into the law that appear designed to cripple other political parties, undermine democracy, and lower Nigeria’s standing in the eyes of the world.”
The ADC argued that amendments to electoral laws should strengthen democratic institutions and reflect the collective aspirations of citizens, rather than create what it described as legal contradictions with the Nigerian Constitution.
The party specifically pointed to the provision that bars election petitions based on certificate forgery, noting that it appears to conflict with constitutional sections that disqualify individuals who present forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission from holding public office.
According to Abdullahi, the amendment could send a troubling message about ethical standards in Nigerian politics.
“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 opposition party also criticised the National Assembly for what it described as prioritising partisan interests over national values.
“Such actions do not only weaken our democracy; they lower the moral estimation of our country in the eyes of the world and reinforce the dangerous stereotype that corruption is acceptable in Nigerian public life,” Abdullahi added.
While acknowledging Akpabio’s right to criticise the opposition, the ADC said history would ultimately judge public officials based on their legislative records and their commitment to protecting democratic principles.
The party maintained that it would continue working to provide Nigerians with what it described as a credible political alternative focused on integrity, competence and accountability in governance.
