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The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged all relevant agencies to take decisive actions to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of every candidate, from the President down to local government councillors, as the nation prepares for the 2027 general election.
Obi made this statement in a post on his official X account on Thursday, responding to the alleged certificate controversy surrounding the resigned Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji. He emphasized that Nigeria must not allow dishonesty and criminality to remain at the core of its leadership.
The former governor of Anambra State expressed his dismay that the electoral commission conducts minimal or no due diligence in verifying the certificates submitted by candidates, highlighting that ongoing discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials erode the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
He stated that if Nigeria genuinely seeks a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, the integrity process must commence immediately.
“It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy regarding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a respectable and honorable decision.
“Similarly, we recall that during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, then Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, resigned after concerns were raised regarding her NYSC certificate. These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they represent serious criminal offenses.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, INEC and all relevant agencies must take decisive steps to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of every candidate—from the President to local government councillors. We cannot continue to let dishonesty and criminality infiltrate our leadership.
“This is an urgent call for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification processes for all public office holders. Other nations, such as Ghana, have set a precedent by thoroughly verifying the educational claims and credentials of all candidates prior to elections. Nigeria must not fall short of this standard.
“INEC has ample time to investigate past complaints regarding various forms of forgery and false claims. Every current and prospective candidate must submit all academic certificates for verification and public access, clearly detailing schools attended from primary through university level.
“Let truth, transparency, and accountability be the foundation of leadership in our beloved country. Only then can we create a Nigeria where public service is based on honor, not deceit. We must get it right,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Peter Obi advocating for regarding candidate qualifications?
Peter Obi is advocating for all relevant agencies to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of every candidate, ensuring integrity in the electoral process for the 2027 general election.
Why is the verification of certificates important?
Verification is important because discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials undermine the credibility of the country's democracy and can lead to dishonesty and criminality in leadership.
What examples of resignations does Obi mention?
Obi mentions the resignations of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, and Kemi Adeosun, the former Minister of Finance, as examples of accountability related to certificate discrepancies.
