Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and other relevant agencies to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, titled ‘Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership’, Obi said the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth and transparency in leadership selection.
He commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following controversies over discrepancies in his academic records, describing it as “a decent and honourable step”.
He also recalled that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,” Obi said.
He urged INEC to begin immediate verification of certificates submitted by all candidates, from the president down to local government councillors, to ensure integrity in the 2027 elections.
“It is appalling that our electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates. Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that truth, transparency and accountability must form the foundation of Nigeria’s leadership, noting that only then can public service be anchored on honour rather than deceit.
Obi also called for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders, citing Ghana as an example of a country that thoroughly cross-checks candidates’ educational claims before elections.
“INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims. Every incumbent and aspiring candidate must submit all academic certificates immediately for verification and public accessibility,” he added.