Lawyer and public affairs analyst, Maxwell Okpara, said the recent amendment to the Electoral Act was meant to strengthen existing provisions against dual political party membership.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Friday, Dr. Okpara said on enforcement challenges amid frequent defections, “It depends on the government in power. Enforcement involves the judiciary interpreting the law correctly and the executive executing it properly.
The law exists, but compliance is key. If the government itself doesn’t obey the law, how can we expect others to?”
“Nigerians are good at having multiples of laws but refuse to comply with them. Belonging to two political parties at the same time is a crime on its own. The House of Representatives is trying to make it stringent and enforceable, so everyone follows it,” Dr. Okpara explained.
He highlighted the judiciary’s role, noting its failures in some high profile cases
“The judiciary is not helping matters. Laws seem to favor some individuals above others. Once a law is stated, it should be followed. Cases like Minister Nyesom Wike, former Senate President Akpabio, and others illustrate how selective enforcement undermines the system.”
Dr. Okpara also addressed provisions related to forged credentials: “Forgery is a crime. You cannot make a law that bars challenging a candidate after the election for forgery. That would be ex post facto, and it cannot work. Crimes committed must be prosecuted according to the law in place at the time.”
He concluded, “The amendment is positive, but its success depends on government compliance, judicial interpretation, and strict adherence to legal principles. Without that, political opportunism will continue to weaken the law.”
Goodness Anunobi
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