Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr. Obi emphasised that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth, transparency, and integrity in the leadership selection process.
Obi urged INEC to immediately begin verifying certificates submitted by all candidates, from the presidency to local government councillors.
He expressed dismay that INEC conducts little or no due diligence in confirming certificates, leading to continuous discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials that undermine democracy’s credibility.
Obi demanded that INEC start verifying certificates immediately to uphold integrity in the 2027 elections.
He called for public access to verified certificates, detailing schools attended from primary to university level.
Obi urged INEC to investigate past complaints of forgery and false claims.
Obi commended the resignation of Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over academic record discrepancies, describing it as “a decent and honourable step.”
He also recalled former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun’s resignation under similar circumstances.
“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.
