Ahead of the 2027 elections, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies to adopt decisive measures to authenticate the credentials of all political candidates.
Obi expressed disappointment over the persistent issue of fake credentials in Nigerian politics, emphasising that public service must be built on truth and not forgery.
He made these remarks following the alleged certificate scandal involving the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, which led to his resignation.
“It is commendable that the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has resigned following the controversy surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates. That is a decent and honourable step.
“Similarly, we can recall that during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, then Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, resigned after issues were raised concerning her NYSC certificate. These instances remind us that such matters are not trivial; they constitute serious criminal offences.
“As we approach the 2027 general elections, INEC and all relevant agencies must take decisive steps to verify and authenticate all academic and professional certificates of every candidate—from the President down to local government councillors. We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership,” Obi said.
He highlighted the need for a comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders, describing it as a matter of urgency.
Obi referenced Ghana as a model, noting that the country thoroughly cross-checks the educational claims and credentials of all candidates before elections.
He stressed that Nigeria must not do less, “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. If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now.”
The politician further stated that INEC has ample time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims, reiterating that every incumbent and aspiring candidate must submit all academic certificates immediately for verification and public accessibility — with a clear record of all schools attended from primary to university level.
He added: “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.”
