Politics

Peter Obi Urges INEC to Begin Certificate Verification Ahead of 2027 Elections

Published by admin on October 9th, 2025.

Peter Obi Urges INEC to Begin Certificate Verification Ahead of 2027 Elections

Peter Obi

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to initiate a nationwide verification of academic and professional qualifications of all political aspirants before the 2027 general elections.

In a statement shared via his official social media handle on Thursday, Obi emphasized that the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democratic process depends on transparency, truth, and integrity at every level of political leadership.

“As 2027 draws closer, it’s imperative for INEC and all concerned agencies to begin a robust and transparent verification of all certificates submitted by those seeking public office — from the presidency down to local council positions,” Obi said.

He warned that continued tolerance for forgery and false declarations within the political space would erode public trust and damage the country’s democratic foundations.

“This is the time to reform and standardize our qualification verification system. Other nations like Ghana have already demonstrated how this can be done effectively. Nigeria must follow suit,” he added.

Commends Minister’s Resignation Amid Certificate Scandal

Obi also praised the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down following questions surrounding the authenticity of his academic credentials. He described the move as “honourable and commendable,” adding that such accountability should be the norm in public service.

Referencing the 2018 resignation of former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun over a similar scandal, Obi said these cases serve as stark reminders of the consequences of certificate falsification, which he termed “a serious criminal offence.”

Calls Out INEC’s Lax Verification Processes

Obi criticized INEC for what he described as a failure to properly vet the documents submitted by candidates in previous elections, allowing discrepancies and false claims to go unchecked.

“It’s troubling that our electoral commission conducts minimal due diligence when it comes to verifying candidates’ qualifications. If we aim to have free, fair, and credible elections in 2027, that process must begin now,” he stated.

He further called for all aspiring and current public office holders to submit their full academic records—from primary school to university—for public scrutiny.

A Call for National Integrity

Obi concluded by stressing the need for a culture of honesty and accountability in governance, saying, “We must build a nation where leadership is rooted in truth, not deceit. Let transparency and honour guide those who seek to serve. That is the foundation of a better Nigeria.”