Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to rigorously verify the academic credentials of all candidates seeking public office. Obi expressed concern over the prevalence of forged certificates and fraudulent affidavits among public officeholders, noting that many individuals who secured positions in the 2023 elections did so by presenting questionable credentials that were not adequately scrutinized.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi emphasized the importance of integrity in leadership, stating, “Certificate forgery is a serious criminal offence in all countries of the world. It is one of the most corrupt practices heavily punished.” He cited his recent visit to Indonesia, where officials with forged certificates are immediately disqualified and prosecuted, contrasting it with Nigeria’s approach, where such offenses are often overlooked.
Obi proposed several reforms to enhance the vetting process:
- Candidates should submit their academic certificates to INEC immediately after party primaries, at least six months before the election.
- Details of schools attended, courses studied, and years of study should be made public for verification within 90 days.
- The verification process should apply not only to elected officials but also to appointed officials, ministers, and aides to ensure honesty starts from the top.
He concluded by stating, “True leadership must begin with truth. A New Nigeria is possible.”
Obi’s call for stricter scrutiny comes amid ongoing concerns over the credibility of academic qualifications among public officials and the need for electoral reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic processes.