The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called for a comprehensive verification of academic and professional certificates of all political office seekers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership,” Obi commended the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, for resigning amid controversy over discrepancies in his academic records. He described the move as “a decent and honourable step,” recalling a similar case in 2018 when the then Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, resigned following questions about her NYSC certificate.
“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,” Obi said.
He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all relevant agencies to take decisive steps to authenticate the certificates of every candidate—from the presidency to local government councillors—before the 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.
Obi further called for a national review of qualification and background verification processes for public office holders, citing Ghana as an example of a country that rigorously cross-checks candidates’ educational claims before elections.
He added that INEC still has sufficient time to investigate past allegations of forgery and false claims, insisting that every incumbent and aspiring candidate should immediately submit their academic certificates for verification and public access.
“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,” Obi emphasized.
