The African Democratic Congress (ADC) 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 released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned provisions of the law it says are designed to protect dishonesty, weaken opposition parties, and erode public confidence in the country’s democracy.
Speaking at a reception for President Bola Tinubu’s wife, Remi Tinubu, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Saturday, Akpabio dismissed opposition criticisms of the Electoral Act, insisting that he acted correctly.
The ADC, however, warned that the Senate President would face harsh judgment from history for his role in imposing the law, particularly the provision that removes certificate forgery as a valid ground for challenging election results—a move the party described as a lasting legacy of the ruling party.
“The African Democratic Congress has taken note of recent comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio in which he dismissed opposition complaints about the 2026 Electoral Act,” the statement said.
“His position exposes the subterfuge behind the entire business of the Electoral Amendment.
The law appears designed to satisfy the ruling party rather than advance national interests.”
The party criticized the amendment as creating a serious constitutional conflict, noting that Sections 66, 107, 137, and 182 of the Constitution disqualify anyone who presents a forged certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from holding public office.
READ ALSO: 2026 Budget: ADC Blasts Tinubu’s Proposal as Debt Trap, not Reform
“How can any self-respecting person preside over a law that contradicts the Constitution by removing consequences for certificate forgery?” the ADC asked.
The statement further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of lowering Nigeria’s ethical standards, weakening democracy, and sending a damaging message to young Nigerians that dishonesty in public office is acceptable.
ADC added: “Senator Akpabio can mock the opposition, but Nigerians will ultimately judge leaders by their record.
The legacy of this National Assembly will be one of a spineless legislature that lowered the nation’s ethical standard to serve the interest of one man.”
The party emphasized its commitment to building a credible political alternative focused on integrity, competence, and accountability.
“History is patient,” the ADC concluded, “and Nigerians will remember those who defended the integrity of democracy and those who chose to weaken it.”