By Peter Obi has criticised Nigerian lawmakers for proposing a fine of ₦10 million and up to two years’ imprisonment for dual political party membership while simultaneously removing certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging election results at tribunals.
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party and current ADC member said the move contradicts provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, questioning the priorities of Nigeria’s political system.
Obi argued that offences such as deceiving the public to gain power, submitting false documents, falsifying age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are serious violations in any democracy and should attract automatic disqualification and criminal prosecution.
He warned that the country’s electoral system appears to prioritise protecting political structures rather than upholding truth and accountability.
“There is no justification for prioritising punishment for party alignment over punishing false certificates, forgery, and other forms of deception in the pursuit of public office,” he said.
Obi added that laws should strengthen democracy rather than weaken it, stressing that ethical leadership must remain the foundation of governance.
“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 behaviour,” he stated.
