The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to conduct thorough verification and authentication of the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Obi said Nigeria’s democratic integrity depends on truth, transparency, and accountability in the leadership selection process.
He also commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, amid controversies over discrepancies in his academic records, describing it as “a decent and honourable step.”
Obi recalled that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned under similar circumstances during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that such issues “constitute serious criminal offences.”
“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,” Obi stated.
He urged INEC to start verifying all certificates submitted by political candidates, from the presidency to local government councillors, to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
“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, clearly detailing schools attended from primary to university level,” he said.
Obi emphasised that the process of integrity must begin now if Nigeria is to achieve free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, adding:
“Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right.”
