Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to thoroughly verify the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Emphasizing that Nigeria’s democracy depends on truth, transparency, and integrity, Obi commended the resignation of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, amid controversies over discrepancies in his academic records, calling it a “decent and honourable step.” He also referenced the resignation of former Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun under similar circumstances, noting that such issues are serious criminal offenses.
Obi criticized INEC for inadequate due diligence in verifying candidates’ credentials, stating that continuous discrepancies and forged documents undermine democratic credibility. He urged INEC to immediately begin verifying certificates for all candidates, from presidential to local government levels, and make details publicly accessible to ensure a free, fair, and credible 2027 election.
