Electoral Act 2026: Certificate Forgery and Disqualification

The article examines the Electoral Act 2026 and its provisions concerning certificate forgery as a basis for disqualification in elections. It references the 1999 Constitution, which already lists certificate forgery as grounds for disqualification, and discusses how the new act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, interacts with existing legal frameworks.

The author critiques the narrow focus on certificate forgery, suggesting that the act's provisions should be interpreted in conjunction with the Constitution. The article highlights that Section 137(1) of the 1999 Constitution explicitly states that individuals with forged certificates are not qualified to contest elections.

It also notes that the Electoral Act 2026 does not adequately address the issue of certificate forgery, raising concerns about electoral integrity and the potential for post-election litigation. The author emphasizes the need for a thorough understanding of the law to avoid misinterpretations that could undermine the electoral process.