The pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere has criticized the National Assembly over a provision in the Electoral Act 2026 that removes forged certificates as a basis for challenging election outcomes.

In a statement, Afenifere leader Oba Oladipo Olaitan and National Publicity Secretary Justice Faloye said the change represents a setback for Nigeria’s democratic process. The group argued that the new law protects political candidates with questionable academic credentials.

Group warns of shrinking legal grounds for election petitions

According to Afenifere, the amendment narrows the legal grounds for filing election petitions and could weaken accountability in the country’s electoral system.

The group pointed to Section 138 of the Electoral Act 2026, which it said limits election petitions to two grounds: corruption or non-compliance with electoral law, and whether the declared winner secured the majority of lawful votes.

“The act effectively constricts the democratic space by limiting the legal basis upon which election petitions can be filed,” the statement said.

Clash with constitutional provisions

Afenifere said the omission of forged certificates from the list of valid grounds contradicts provisions in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which disqualifies individuals who submit forged academic credentials while seeking public office.

The group argued that allowing such a gap in the electoral law risks weakening the constitutional safeguards meant to ensure that only qualified candidates contest for office.

Concerns over new financial penalties

The organization also raised concerns about financial penalties introduced in the new law. It said the penalties target petitioners and their legal representatives who attempt to present election petitions based on grounds not explicitly recognized by the act.

Afenifere warned that the fines could discourage citizens and legal practitioners from pursuing legitimate legal challenges against elected officials.

Call for withdrawal and re-enactment

The group said the measure could erode public confidence in the electoral process and allow individuals with disputed academic records to remain in office without adequate scrutiny.

Afenifere therefore urged lawmakers to withdraw the legislation and re-enact it with provisions that restore forged certificates as a valid ground for election petitions.

“We call for an immediate withdrawal and re-enactment of the legislation to restore the forged certificate provision and strengthen the integrity of the voting process,” the statement said.