Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates before the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on X yesterday, Obi emphasized that the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth, transparency, and integrity in the leadership selection process.
He also commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, amid controversy over discrepancies in his academic records, describing it as “a decent and honourable step.”
The former Anambra State governor recalled the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, under similar circumstances during the Buhari administration, stressing that such issues “constitute serious criminal offences.”
Obi criticized INEC for what he described as “little or no due diligence” in verifying certificates submitted by political candidates, warning that false declarations and forged credentials continue to erode the credibility of Nigeria’s democracy.
“If Nigeria truly desires a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,” he said, urging INEC to start investigating past complaints of forgery and make all candidates’ academic records publicly accessible.
He concluded: “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.”
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