The Northern Elders Forum (NEF) has lamented that the removal of certificate forgery in the 2026 Electoral Act as grounds for election petition raised significant concerns regarding electoral integrity.
It added that by removing forgery as a basis for challenging election outcomes, the Act might inadvertently create a permissive environment for fraudulent practices
The organisation explained that certificates, particularly those pertaining to academic qualifications and professional credentials, serve as a reflection of a candidate’s qualifications and legitimacy.
Its Director NGOS/CSOS, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, however, said the decision to remove certificate forgery as a valid ground for contesting election results appears to be a double-edged sword.
He noted that on one hand, it might be perceived as a progressive step towards streamlining the electoral process, reducing the burden of litigation on the judiciary, and expediting the resolution of electoral disputes.
Abdul-Azeez said proponents argue that the removal of such grounds could encourage more candidates to participate in elections without the fear of protracted legal battles stemming from allegations of forgery.
This perspective, he noted, suggests a desire to foster a more inclusive political environment where the focus shifts from legal technicalities to substantive governance.
Abdul-Azeez stated: “Conversely, this legislative change raises significant concerns regarding electoral integrity. Certificates, particularly those pertaining to academic qualifications and professional credentials, serve as a reflection of a candidate’s qualifications and legitimacy.
“By removing forgery as a basis for challenging election outcomes, the Act may inadvertently create a permissive environment for fraudulent practices.
“The potential for candidates to misrepresent their qualifications without the fear of legal repercussions undermines the very foundation of democratic representation.
“It raises an unsettling question: how can voters make informed choices if the credentials of their representatives are not verifiable? Trust is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy.”
The NEF stressed that voters must have confidence that their representatives are duly qualified and that the electoral process is fair and transparent.
Abdul-Azeez added: “The removal of certificate forgery as a ground for election petitions could erode this trust, leading to a disillusioned electorate.
“When citizens perceive that the electoral system lacks accountability, their faith in democratic institutions wanes, potentially resulting in decreased voter turnout and engagement.
“The absence of stringent measures to address certificate forgery risks normalizing unethical behavior in political contests. If candidates can manipulate their qualifications without consequence, it sets a dangerous precedent that may encourage further malfeasance.
“The integrity of elections is not merely a legal concern; it is a moral imperative that reflects the values of society. Upholding standards that deter dishonesty is essential for nurturing a culture of accountability and responsibility among public officials.”
Abdul-Azeez was of the opinion that rather than eliminating accountability mechanisms, lawmakers should focus on strengthening the electoral framework to ensure that it is robust, transparent, and capable of deterring fraudulent practices.
This, he said, might include the implementation of rigorous verification processes for candidates’ qualifications, enhanced oversight by independent electoral bodies, and the establishment of clear penalties for any form of electoral malpractice.