ADC criticizes ASUU and civil society groups for their quiet stance on the planned legislation against fake qualifications.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress, has denounced the purported move by the National Assembly to legalize certificate forgery in elections, criticizing the silence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, student unions, and civil society organizations on the matter.

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Abdullahi expressed his concern in Ilorin, Kwara State, where he spoke with journalists, describing the affected stakeholders' inaction as a direct insult to Nigeria's educational standards, as opposition parties are left to condemn the legislation alone.

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The proposed law, which seeks to prevent certificate forgery from being used to challenge election results, has been questioned by Abdullahi, who believes it undermines integrity in governance and sets a perilous precedent for the nation.

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Abdullahi drew a historical parallel, stating that before Nigeria attained independence, the struggle was collectively fought by civil society, labour unions, and student unions, unlike the current situation where opposition parties are left to challenge the legislation alone.

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The ADC spokesperson 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.

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Abdullahi used an analogy to illustrate his point, saying that the proposed law is akin to allowing armed robbers to get away with loot as long as they are not caught at the scene.

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He 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.

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Abdullahi urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to submit his administration's performance to public scrutiny, emphasizing that the president cannot mark his own script.

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The ADC spokesperson highlighted insecurity, abductions, and killings as evidence of the administration's failures, underscoring the need for accountability.

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Regarding speculations about his own political ambitions, Abdullahi denied plans to contest the Kwara State governorship in 2027, emphasizing his commitment to opposition politics.

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He stated that he would decline any overtures from the ruling APC, asserting his belief in playing the role of the face of the opposition well, as assigned by God, and emphasizing the importance of contributing to bettering the country.

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Abdullahi's remarks come amid rising tensions over proposed electoral reforms and the perceived erosion of ethical and educational standards in Nigeria's political process.