Obi to INEC: Verify certificates of all candidates before 2027 poll

Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), says the resignation of Uche Nnaji as minister of innovation, science and technology is commendable.

In a statement on Thursday, Obi said Nnaji’s decision to step down after questions were raised about his academic credentials, showed a “sense of decency and accountability that should be the standard in public office”.

He recalled that under late president Muhammadu Buhari, Kemi Adeosun, then minister of finance, also resigned after questions were raised about her NYSC certificate.

Obi said such incidents underscore that issues around certificate integrity are not minor, but serious criminal matters that undermine governance.

“As we approach the 2027 general elections, INEC and all relevant agencies must take decisive steps to verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all candidates — from the president to local government councillors,” Obi wrote on X.

“We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership.”

The former Anambra governor said Nigeria must urgently reform the process of qualification and background checks for public officeholders.

He said other countries, including Ghana, have set the right example by ensuring thorough verification of candidates’ educational claims before elections.

“INEC has enough time to investigate past complaints about various forms of forgery and false claims,” he said.

“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.”

Obi said recurring cases of forgery and false declarations have weakened citizens’ faith in democracy.

“If we truly desire a free, fair and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now,” he added.

The ex-governor also urged INEC to reopen investigations into pending complaints about falsified credentials and ensure that all aspirants submit their certificates for verification and public access.

“Every incumbent and aspiring candidate must disclose schools attended from primary to university level,” Obi said.

He said the values of truth, transparency and accountability must become the foundation of leadership in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Nnaji had been under fire over allegations that he forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the senate during his ministerial confirmation.

Nnaji resigned from the federal cabinet on Tuesday after an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES showed discrepancies in his academic records. 

Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have called for the ex-minister’s prosecution.