Alleged Electoral Act Alteration Poses Grave Threat to Nigeria’s Democracy — ACF

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has raised serious concerns over alleged alterations to provisions of the Electoral Act by the National Assembly, warning that the development poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democratic process. The pan-Northern socio-political organisation described the situation as alarming and capable of undermining public confidence in the nation’s electoral system.

Speaking on Tuesday in Kaduna, the ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, said the allegations suggested an assault on the integrity of the legislative process. He stressed that any tampering with laws after they have been duly passed amounts to a violation of democratic norms and due process.

Muhammad-Baba noted that concerns over legislative alterations were not unprecedented, recalling previous controversies surrounding other pieces of legislation. However, he said the Electoral Act was particularly sensitive, given its central role in determining the credibility of elections and democratic governance.

The ACF warned that weakening the Electoral Act through alleged post-passage alterations could erode trust in electoral outcomes and fuel political instability. According to the forum, democracy thrives on transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law.

The group called on relevant authorities to immediately halt any such alterations and conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. It also urged lawmakers to uphold legislative integrity and protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions from actions that could compromise national stability.