Nigeria is facing a troubling contradiction.

What type of country are we trying to bequeath for our children?

The same lawmakers who have proposed a fine of ₦10 million and up to two years in prison for dual political party membership have simultaneously removed certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging an election in a tribunal. This is in direct contradiction to the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

This situation raises a fundamental question about the priorities of our political system.

In any serious democracy, the gravest offense in public life is deceiving the people to gain power. Submitting false documents, falsifying one’s age, forging certificates, and making dishonest declarations to electoral authorities are among the most serious offenses in any democracy. Such actions not only lead to automatic disqualification but also warrant criminal prosecution.

Yet today, our electoral system seems more focused on protecting political structures than on upholding the truth.

There is no justification for prioritizing punishment for party alignment over punishing false certificates, forgery, and other forms of deception in the pursuit of public office.

Laws should strengthen democracy, not weaken it. They should promote ethical leadership rather than lower standards for those who aspire to govern.

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 behavior.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO