Irked by the several allegations of certificate forgery against those in the top echelon of government, the former Labour Party candidate in the 2023 presidential election Peter Obi, has called for a nationwide review of the academic and professional certificates of all political office holders and those seeking elective positions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Obi stated this following the recent resignation of the Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as a result of controversies elicited by discrepancies in his academic records.
He described Nnaji’s decision to resign as a highly commendable and honorable step that highlights the importance of integrity in public office.
The former governor of Anambra State made reference to a similar incident when the then Minister for Finance during Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, Kemi Adeosun, tendered her resignation following issues related to her NYSC certificate. Obi noted that such incidents should remind us that certificate falsification is a serious offence that erodes public trust and the credibility of governance.
He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and all relevant agencies to institute a thorough verification and authentication process for every political candidate—from the presidency to local government councillors.
“We cannot continue to allow dishonesty and criminality to sit at the heart of leadership,” Obi said. “If we truly desire a free, fair, and credible 2027 election, the process of integrity must begin now.”
He called on INEC to begin immediate investigations into past certificate-related complaints and to make all verified academic records publicly accessible.
Let truth, transparency, and accountability form the foundation of leadership in our dear country. Only then can we build a Nigeria where public service is anchored on honour, not deceit,” Obi added.
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