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By Goli Innocent
The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has criticised the National Assembly of Nigeria for removing the presentation of forged certificates as a ground for challenging election results in the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026.
In a statement jointly signed by its leader, Oba Oladipo Olaitan, and National Publicity Secretary, Justice Faloye, the organisation described the legislative change as a retrogressive move that shields candidates with questionable academic credentials.
“The act effectively constricts the democratic space by limiting the legal basis upon which election petitions can be filed,” the group stated.
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Afenifere explained that under Section 138 of the 2026 Act, election petitions are now limited to only two specific grounds, a development it believes weakens electoral accountability.
“Under Section 138 of the 2026 Act, election petitions are now restricted to only two specific grounds: corruption or non-compliance with the law, and whether the winner received a majority of lawful votes,” the statement said.
The organisation argued that the omission contradicts provisions of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which clearly disqualifies any candidate who presents a forged certificate for public office.
“These fines target petitioners and their lawyers who attempt to present cases based on grounds not specifically named in the Act, a move that is designed to discourage legal scrutiny of elected officials. We, therefore, 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 added.
