**Electoral Act: Obi Speaks Out on New Laws that May Undermine Democracy** In recent times, there have been discussions and debates on the proposed Electoral Act, which aims to reform Nigeria's electoral system. The proposed law has been met with mixed reactions, with some stakeholders expressing concerns about its implications on the country's democratic process. Former presidential candidate and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has joined the fray, expressing his reservations about certain provisions of the proposed law. Specifically, he has faulted the recommendation to remove certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations as grounds for challenging election results. According to Obi, the removal of these provisions may undermine the integrity of the electoral process and create loopholes that can be exploited by unscrupulous politicians. He believes that certificate forgery, which involves presenting fake educational certificates or qualifications, is a serious offense that can undermine the trust and confidence of the Nigerian people in the electoral process. Obi's concerns are not unfounded, given the history of electoral disputes in Nigeria. In the past, there have been instances where politicians have been accused of presenting fake certificates or falsifying their ages to gain an advantage in elections. The removal of these provisions may embolden such politicians to continue engaging in such practices. Furthermore, Obi has also expressed concerns about the proposed N10 million fine for politicians who engage in dual membership, which refers to the practice of registering as members of multiple political parties. While the intention behind this provision may be to promote party loyalty and discipline, Obi believes that it may not be an effective deterrent, given the wealth and influence of some politicians. In conclusion, Obi's comments highlight the need for a thorough review of the proposed Electoral Act to ensure that it promotes the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. The removal of provisions that prevent certificate forgery, age falsification, and false declarations may have unintended consequences that can undermine Nigeria's democratic process. Ultimately, the proposed Electoral Act has the potential to either strengthen or weaken Nigeria's democracy. It is crucial that lawmakers take a nuanced approach to reforming the electoral process, one that balances the need for reform with the need to protect the integrity of the electoral process.