NIGERIA: Peter Obi Calls For Certificate Verification Ahead Of 2027 Elections

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to conduct thorough verification and authentication of all academic and professional certificates submitted by political office seekers ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership” released on Thursday, Obi said Nigeria must no longer allow “dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”

The former Anambra State governor commended the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, for resigning from office following controversies over discrepancies in his academic certificates.

He described the minister’s resignation as “a decent and honourable step,” recalling that a similar act of integrity was demonstrated by former Finance Minister, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration when she resigned over issues relating to her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.

“These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences,” Obi stated, stressing that Nigeria must hold leaders to the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

He urged INEC to begin immediate investigation into past complaints regarding forged documents and false claims by political aspirants and officeholders.

According to him, “Every incumbent and aspiring candidate must submit all academic certificates immediately for verification and public accessibility, clearly detailing schools attended from primary to university level.”

Obi also proposed a comprehensive national review of qualification and background verification processes for public office holders, citing Ghana as an example of a nation that thoroughly cross-checks the educational credentials of its political candidates before 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 said.

Obi emphasized that if Nigeria truly desires a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, integrity in the verification process must begin immediately.

“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,” he concluded.

He ended his statement with his signature optimism: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”