Table of Contents
- Call for Punishment
- Need for Integrity
- Scrutiny by INEC
- Certificate Forgery
- Electoral Amendments
- Holistic Approach
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has advocated for strict penalties for politicians who possess forged academic certificates.
In a message on his verified X account on Monday, Obi emphasized the importance of ending the period in which forgery and deceit are rewarded with positions of power, asserting that genuine leadership must be rooted in honesty.
He expressed concern that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) does little to investigate certificates prior to elections.
“How can we encourage young Nigerians to be honest and virtuous when those they are meant to look up to are often the least admirable, as they engage in criminal and dishonest behavior?”
“Certificate forgery is a serious crime in every country worldwide. It is among the most corrupt practices and is subject to severe penalties.”
“As we prepare for the 2027 general elections, INEC has ample time to address previous complaints regarding various types of forgery and false claims.”
“Our electoral reforms must stipulate that any individual intending to run for public office, whether an incumbent or a new candidate, must submit all academic certificates to the electoral body immediately following party primaries, at least six months before the election.”
“We must approach certificate forgery with the seriousness and level of criminality it warrants. Criminal offenses should not be treated as mere procedural issues. We need to put an end to the era where forgery and deceit lead to positions of power. True leadership must start with honesty,” he stated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Peter Obi propose regarding forged academic certificates?
Peter Obi calls for strict penalties for politicians found with forged academic certificates, emphasizing the need for integrity in leadership.
How does Obi suggest INEC should handle certificate verification?
Obi suggests that INEC should conduct thorough investigations into academic certificates before elections, rather than making minimal efforts in this regard.
What reforms does Obi propose for future elections?
Obi proposes that all candidates must submit their academic certificates to the electoral body immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.
