The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has called for an urgent and comprehensive national review of the qualification and background verification process for all public office holders.
In a statement titled “Certificate Integrity and the Future of Nigerian Leadership,” Obi commended the recent resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following controversies surrounding discrepancies in his academic certificates.
He described Nnaji’s resignation as “a decent and honourable step,” adding that integrity in leadership must not be negotiable.
He also recalled the resignation of former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun during the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, after questions were raised about the authenticity of her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
According to Obi, these instances highlight the need for transparency and accountability in public service, warning that certificate forgery constitutes a serious criminal offence.
“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,” Obi said. “We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”
Begin Verification Process Now
The Labour Party flag bearer urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to begin a thorough verification process well ahead of the elections, including the investigation of past complaints concerning forged or falsified documents.
He noted that countries like Ghana have set positive examples by cross-checking candidates’ credentials before elections and urged Nigeria to adopt similar measures.
Obi criticised what he described as INEC’s failure to conduct adequate due diligence on certificates submitted by political aspirants, saying this negligence continues to erode public trust and weaken democratic institutions.
“If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,” he stated.
“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.”
He concluded by stressing that truth, transparency, and accountability must form the foundation of Nigeria’s leadership.
“Only then,” Obi said, “can we build a nation where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit. We must get it right. A new Nigeria is possible.”
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
