Ezeh Calls for Overhaul of Electoral Act, Demands Clear Candidate Qualification
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By Nkechinyere Ewa
Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, Labour Party candidate for the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency in the 2023 general elections, has called for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, urging lawmakers to clearly define and strictly enforce qualifications for political candidates.
In a press statement issued on Monday in Abakaliki, Dr. Ezeh said the lack of clear, verifiable eligibility criteria for candidates has remained a major weakness in Nigeria’s electoral system, fueling disputes, litigation, and declining public trust in the democratic process.
He stressed that a modern electoral framework must establish transparent and manipulation-resistant standards for candidacy, describing the issue as fundamental to the integrity of democracy rather than a mere technical concern.
Dr. Ezeh urged the National Assembly and other electoral stakeholders to ensure that the new Electoral Act provides explicit and enforceable qualification requirements, backed by clear documentation standards and effective pre-election verification mechanisms before ballots are printed.
He also called for institutional safeguards to prevent individuals who do not meet legal and ethical standards from contesting elections, warning against political interference and arbitrary interpretation of electoral laws.
According to him, the credibility of elections in Nigeria continues to face serious challenges, with recurring allegations of irregularities, vote manipulation, and prolonged post-election litigations eroding public confidence.
Dr. Ezeh emphasized that defining candidate qualifications must go beyond listing criteria, insisting on strong enforcement provisions and penalties for falsification of records.
“The law should not only state requirements; it must clearly outline verification procedures and consequences for false declarations,” he said.
He further urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to collaborate on a transparent candidate screening process that assures voters of the authenticity of those seeking public office.
Beyond candidate eligibility, Dr. Ezeh also advocated broader electoral reforms, including mandatory electronic transmission of results, the removal of ward-level result collection centres, and more inclusive accreditation processes.
He argued that such measures would significantly reduce opportunities for manipulation and enhance the credibility of future elections.
“The time has come to insist on reforms that truly strengthen our democracy and protect the integrity of our elections,” Dr. Ezeh said.
As Nigeria looks ahead to future electoral cycles, calls for a clearer, enforceable, and credible Electoral Act continue to gain momentum among political actors, civil society groups, and electoral reform advocates, with Dr. Ezeh’s intervention adding to the growing pressure for change.
