2027: Peter Obi Urges INEC to Publish Candidates Academic Certificates, Credentials

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) for the 2027 general election, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic certificates and other credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

Obi said greater transparency in the nomination process would strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's electoral system and promote accountability among political office seekers.

The former Anambra State governor made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday titled "What Truly Should Be Our Priority Now as Leaders of a Nation?"

According to Obi, his position was informed by questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to the authenticity of candidates credentials.

He pointed to Section E, Question 6 of the form, which asks candidates whether they have ever presented a forged certificate to INEC.

"Further, in the same Section E, Question 6 was: 'Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC?' Again, the answer is either Yes or No," Obi said.

He argued that, in the interest of transparency and public accountability, INEC should go beyond collecting candidates credentials by making them accessible to Nigerians.

"This raises another important question: Why shouldn't INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?"

Obi added that openness in the electoral process would help reinforce democratic values.

"Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria's problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service."

Obi also said another question contained in the nomination form prompted him to reflect on the quality of leadership in the country.

He referred to Section E, Question 1, which asks candidates whether they have ever been adjudged a lunatic or declared to be of unsound mind.

"While completing my INEC nomination form yesterday, Section E, Question 1 caught my attention. It asks: 'Have you ever been adjudged a lunatic or been declared a person of unsound mind?' The answer is either Yes or No."

He said the question led him to consider whether Nigeria's political leadership was demonstrating the judgment and responsibility expected of public office holders.

"That question got me thinking: Can we, as the political leaders of today's Nigeria, truly say we are exhibiting the characteristics of a sound mind?"

'Leadership should focus on national emergencies'

Obi lamented the country's worsening security and economic challenges, arguing that political leaders should be concentrating on addressing issues affecting Nigerians rather than engaging in political manoeuvring.

According to him, the country faces multiple crises requiring urgent national attention.

"When Nigerians, including children and security personnel, are being abducted into the bushes, citizens cannot travel safely on our highways, several million Nigerians are uncertain where their next meal will come from, and several billions are being siphoned frivolously through non-existent agencies and projects, should politics really be our primary preoccupation?"

He said a responsible leadership would treat insecurity, hunger and economic hardship as national emergencies.

"A sound-minded leadership would have declared these existential challenges a national emergency and immediately mobilised all relevant institutions, security agencies, experts, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to confront them with urgency and resolve."

The former Labour Party presidential candidate added that Nigeria's survival, security and stability should take precedence over political calculations.

"At a moment like this, the survival, security, and stability of Nigeria must take precedence over every other consideration."

He concluded by urging leaders to prioritise decisive governance over partisan politics.

"This is a time for decisive action, not political calculation or the pursuit of partisan advantage."