Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to begin a comprehensive verification of the academic and professional credentials of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth, transparency, and accountability in the process of leadership selection. He said it was time for the electoral body to take concrete steps to ensure that only credible and qualified individuals are allowed to contest public offices.
“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 wrote on Thursday. “We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”
He described the need for a national review of Nigeria’s qualification and background verification system as urgent, noting that other countries, including Ghana, have already set an example by thoroughly cross-checking the educational claims of candidates before elections.
Obi’s statement came shortly after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who stepped down following controversy over alleged discrepancies in his academic records. Commending Nnaji’s decision, Obi called it “a decent and honourable step,” adding that accountability in public service should be the rule rather than the exception. He also referenced the 2018 resignation of former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun, who left office amid similar allegations over forged credentials, describing such cases as serious breaches that damage public trust.
“It is appalling that our electoral body carries out little or no due diligence in confirming certificates submitted by candidates,” Obi stated. “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.”
He further called on INEC to investigate past cases of alleged forgery and false claims while ensuring that all incumbents and aspirants submit their academic certificates for public verification, including details of their educational history from primary to tertiary levels.
