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 thoroughly verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates before the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on X on Thursday, titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership,” Obi emphasized that 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 surrounding discrepancies in his academic credentials, describing the move as “a decent and honourable step.”
Obi also recalled that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, noting that such cases “constitute serious criminal offences.”
He urged INEC to begin immediate verification of certificates submitted by all political candidates, from the president down to local government councillors, to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.
“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.
The former Anambra State governor stressed that truth, transparency, and accountability must form the foundation of Nigeria’s leadership, insisting that only then can public service be rooted in honour rather than deceit.
Obi further called for a comprehensive national review of qualification and background verification processes for all public office holders, citing Ghana as an example of a country that rigorously 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.
