The African Democratic Congress has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of undermining Nigeria’s democratic and ethical standards through his role in the passage of the Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement on Sunday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, criticised provisions of the amended law which it said were designed to shield wrongdoing, weaken opposition parties, and erode public confidence in the country’s electoral system.
Akpabio had earlier dismissed the opposition’s objections while speaking at a reception for Remi Tinubu, wife of Bola Tinubu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday.
The Senate President said criticism from opposition parties indicated that the legislation was appropriate.
“Each time we make a law and the opposition frowns, I get excited that we have made the right law,” he said, adding that many opposition groups remained disorganised ahead of the 2027 elections.
Akpabio also mocked internal disputes within parties such as the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, suggesting they were not prepared for the next election cycle.
Responding, the ADC said Akpabio’s remarks revealed the intent behind the electoral amendments, arguing that the changes were crafted to serve the interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress rather than strengthen democracy.
The party particularly criticised a provision in the Electoral Act 2026 that it said removed certificate forgery as a valid ground for challenging election results.
According to the ADC, the provision contradicts sections of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that disqualify individuals who submit forged certificates to the Independent National Electoral Commission from holding public office.
The party said the amendment created a constitutional conflict and sent a damaging message about accountability in public life.
“It is difficult to imagine a more troubling signal to Nigerians, particularly young people, than suggesting that certificate forgery should no longer carry serious consequences,” the statement said.
The ADC added that Nigerians would ultimately judge political leaders by their record, insisting that history would determine whether lawmakers strengthened or weakened the country’s democratic institutions.
