National Publicity Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, has condemned what he described as the continued silence of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), student unions, and civil society organisations on a proposed certificate forgery law by the National Assembly.

Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Kwara State, Abdullahi expressed concern that the 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 the use of certificate forgery as a basis to challenge election results, saying it undermines the integrity of 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 would erode public trust and reduce the country to “a nation of certificate forgers.”

Abdullahi used a vivid analogy to stress his point, saying: “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 had failed to provide visionary leadership and had left citizens in abject poverty.

Abdullahi also urged President 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, emphasising 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, stressing, “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.