ADC faults silence of ASUU, civil societies on proposed certificate forgery law

2026-03-19 - 12:53

By Demola Akinyemi, Ilorin The National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has condemned what he described as the continued silence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), student unions, and civil society organizations on a purported move by the National Assembly to legalize certificate forgery in elections. Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Abdullahi expressed concern that affected stakeholders have left the condemnation of the controversial legislation to opposition parties alone, describing it as a direct insult to Nigeria’s educational standards. He questioned the proposed law, which reportedly seeks to prevent certificate forgery from being used as a basis to challenge election results, saying it undermines integrity in governance and sets a dangerous precedent for the nation. “Before Nigeria attained independence, the struggle was collectively fought by civil society, labour unions, and student unions. It wasn’t left for opposition parties alone like what we are currently experiencing,” Abdullahi said. He accused the APC-led federal government of failing Nigerians and pursuing laws to maintain power at all costs, adding that the legislation erodes public trust and reduces the country to “a nation of certificate forgers.” Abdullahi used a vivid analogy to stress his point: “So, if armed robbers rob a house, as long as they are not caught at the scene, they can get away with the loot. This is essentially what the National Assembly is saying with this proposed law on certificate forgery.” He further called on the government to allow Nigerians to freely decide their leaders in the 2027 elections and stop orchestrating propaganda, noting that the current administration has failed to provide visionary leadership and has left citizens in abject poverty. Abdullahi also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to submit his administration’s performance to public scrutiny, stressing that “you can’t mark your own script.” He highlighted insecurity, abductions, and killings as evidence of the administration’s failures. On speculations about his own political ambitions, Abdullahi denied plans to contest the Kwara State governorship in 2027, emphasizing his commitment to opposition politics. “We’ll contest in all elections in 2027, but as for whether I will throw my hat in the ring for governorship, I don’t even have any hat to throw,” he said. He added that he would decline any overtures from the ruling APC, asserting, “I believe I’m playing the role of the face of the opposition well, as assigned by God. Every generation has a duty to contribute to bettering the country.” The ADC spokesperson’s remarks highlight rising tensions over proposed electoral reforms and the perceived erosion of ethical and educational standards in Nigeria’s political process.