‘Publish candidates’ academic certificates, credentials’ – Peter Obi tells INEC

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to make public the academic certificates and credentials submitted by all candidates seeking elective office.

Obi made the call while reflecting on questions contained in the INEC nomination form, particularly those relating to candidates’ mental fitness and the authenticity of their academic qualifications.

He argued that publishing candidates’ credentials would improve transparency and strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.

Questioning why such documents should remain confidential, Obi said: “Have you ever presented a forged certificate to INEC? Again, the answer is either Yes or No. This raises another important question: Why shouldn’t INEC, in the interest of ensuring that our leaders are exemplary in following the rules and to strengthen public confidence in our electoral process, publish the academic certificates and credentials submitted by every candidate seeking elective office?”

He added: “Transparency strengthens democracy and builds public trust. Nigeria’s problems are too serious for politics as usual. It is time for leadership defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion, and commitment to service.”

Obi also referred to Section E, Question 1 of the nomination form, which asks whether a candidate has ever been declared to be of unsound mind, saying the question raises concerns about whether Nigeria’s political leaders are demonstrating sound judgement.

According to him, persistent insecurity, kidnappings, unsafe highways, widespread hunger and allegations of mismanagement of public funds suggest that leaders are losing focus on the country’s pressing challenges.

He maintained that responsible leadership would treat Nigeria’s security and economic crises as a national emergency, mobilising all relevant institutions and stakeholders to address them.

The former Anambra State governor said the country’s survival, security and stability should take priority over political calculations, insisting that Nigeria needs leaders defined by competence, character, capacity, compassion and commitment to public service.

Earlier, Seriake Dickson confirmed that Obi’s name had been uploaded to the INEC portal despite the recent court ruling that voided the registration process of the opposition party.