The 2023 Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to immediately begin the rigorous verification and authentication of academic and professional certificates for all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement released on X on Thursday, Obi stressed that for Nigeria’s democracy to have credibility, its foundation must be built on “truth, transparency, and integrity” in the process of selecting leaders.
Obi commended the recent resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, which occurred amid controversies over discrepancies in his academic records.
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The former Anambra State governor described Nnaji’s action as “a decent and honourable step.”
He drew a parallel with the 2018 resignation of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who stepped down under similar circumstances during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Obi cautioned that such instances “remind Nigerians that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.”
He urged INEC to stop carrying out “little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates.”
The 64-year-old warned that the “continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of our democracy.”
To ensure a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, Obi insisted that the “process of integrity must begin now.”
He challenged INEC to use the available time to investigate past complaints of forgery and false claims.
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He demanded that every incumbent and aspiring candidate, from the presidency to local government councillors, must “submit all academic certificates immediately for verification and public accessibility, clearly detailing schools attended from primary to university level.”
“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 said.
