The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other pertinent authorities to verify and authenticate the academic and professional credentials of all political candidates in preparation for the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, Obi emphasized that the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy relies on truth, transparency, and integrity throughout the leadership selection process.
He also praised the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, amidst controversies regarding inconsistencies in his academic records.
The former governor of Anambra State characterized the former minister’s decision as “a decent and honourable step.”
He further recalled that former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, resigned under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
“These occurrences remind us that such issues are not trivial; they represent serious criminal offences,” Obi remarked.
He urged INEC to promptly commence the verification of the certificates submitted by all political candidates, from presidential hopefuls to local government councillors, to maintain integrity in the upcoming 2027 general elections.
“It is shocking that our electoral body performs minimal or no due diligence in verifying the certificates presented by candidates. Ongoing discrepancies, false declarations, and forged credentials jeopardize the credibility of our democracy,” he asserted.
“INEC has ample time to investigate previous complaints regarding various forms of forgery and false claims. Every current and prospective candidate must submit all academic certificates for verification and public access, clearly outlining the educational institutions attended from primary school through university.
“Let truth, transparency, and accountability be the cornerstones of leadership in our beloved country. Only then can we establish a Nigeria where public service is based on honour rather than deceit. We must get it right.
