Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has urged 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 relies on truth and transparency in the process of leadership selection.
He praised 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 decision.”
Obi also recalled that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“These situations remind us that such issues are not minor; they are serious criminal offences,” Obi stated.
He called on INEC to immediately begin verifying the certificates submitted by all candidates—from the presidency to local government councillors—to ensure credibility in the 2027 elections.
“It is troubling that our electoral body conducts little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates. Continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials weaken the credibility of our democracy,” he said.
The former Anambra State governor emphasized that truth, transparency, and accountability must be the foundation of leadership in Nigeria, noting that only then can public service be built on integrity rather than deceit.
He further called for a nationwide review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders, citing Ghana as an example of a country that thoroughly checks candidates’ educational records before elections.
“INEC still has enough time to investigate previous complaints of forgery and false claims. Every incumbent and aspiring candidate must submit all academic certificates now for verification and public access,” Obi added.
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