2027: LP Chieftain, Eze Makes Case For New Electoral Act For Candidate Qualifications
By Alex Odeh
Dr. Ezeh Emmanuel Ezeh, Labour Party candidate for the Abakaliki/Izzi Federal Constituency during the 2023 general elections, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s electoral legislation, insisting that the new Electoral Act must clearly define and enforce qualifications for political candidates.
In a press statement issued and signed on Monday in Abakaliki, Ezeh said the absence of unambiguous and verifiable criteria for candidacy has become a recurring vulnerability in the nation’s electoral process, contributing to disputes, litigation, and a general erosion of public trust.
“The modern electoral framework must define eligibility in a way that is transparent, verifiable, and resistant to manipulation.
“This is not merely a technical issue; it is foundational to the integrity of our democracy,” he said.
Ezeh urged lawmakers and electoral stakeholders to ensure that the new Act sets out explicit, enforceable qualifications for candidates, including clear documentation requirements and mechanisms to verify eligibility before ballots are printed.
The 2023 LP candidate also highlighted the need for institutional reforms that would prevent individuals who do not meet the legal and ethical standards from contesting elections, stressing that the process must be insulated from political interference and arbitrary interpretation.
The statement comes at a time when electoral credibility remains a contentious issue in Nigeria, with recurring allegations of irregularities, vote manipulation, and post-election litigations that undermine public confidence in the democratic process.
Ezeh emphasized that the definition of candidate qualifications must go beyond a mere checklist and be supported by robust enforcement mechanisms.
“The law should not merely state criteria; it must also provide clear procedures for verification and consequences for falsification,” he said.
He further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to collaborate in ensuring that candidate screening is transparent and that the electorate can be assured of the authenticity of those seeking public office.
The demand for clearer candidate qualifications is part of a broader set of reforms Dr. Ezeh believes should be entrenched in the new Electoral Act.
In the same statement, he advocated for mandatory electronic transmission of results, the removal of ward collection centers, and more inclusive accreditation processes.
He argued that these reforms would not only enhance transparency but also reduce opportunities for manipulation and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.
“The time has come to insist on reforms that strengthen our democracy and protect the integrity of our elections,” Dr. Ezeh said.
As Nigeria prepares for future electoral cycles, the call for a redefined and strengthened Electoral Act continues to gain momentum among political actors, civil society groups, and electoral reform advocates.
Ezeh’s statement adds a voice to the growing demand for an electoral framework that is clear, enforceable, and capable of restoring public confidence in the democratic process.
