Peter Obi has condemned recent alterations in Nigeria’s electoral regulations, cautioning that they compromise accountability and principled leadership in the nation.
In a message on his verified X account on Friday, Obi pointed out what he characterized as a concerning inconsistency within the political framework.
He observed that whereas legislators have suggested penalties of N10 million and up to two years in prison for dual political affiliation, they have concurrently eliminated certificate forgery, age distortion, and false declarations as valid reasons for contesting an election in a tribunal.
“This is in direct conflict with the clauses of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended),” Obi remarked.
He challenged the priorities of the political framework: “In any credible democracy, the gravest transgression in public life is misleading the populace to attain authority. Submitting fraudulent documents, altering one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest assertions to electoral bodies are among the most severe infractions in any democracy. Such behaviors not only result in automatic disqualification but also merit criminal prosecution.”
Obi underscored that the existing system appears more concerned with safeguarding political establishments than upholding integrity.
“There is no rationale for favouring penalties for party affiliation over penalizing false credentials, forgery, and other forms of deceit in the quest for public office,” he asserted.
He additionally stated, “Legislations should fortify democracy, not undermine it. They ought to encourage principled leadership rather than diminish standards for individuals seeking to lead. A nation’s progress cannot surpass the integrity of its leaders. If we genuinely aspire for a better Nigeria, our laws must protect truth, character, competence, and accountability. We cannot keep permitting unlawful conduct.”
Obi concluded by stating, “A New Nigeria is attainable.”
