Peter Obi Calls For Accountability Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and relevant authorities to thoroughly verify and authenticate the academic and professional certificates of all political candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In a statement posted on X on Thursday, Obi stressed that Nigeria’s democratic credibility depends on truth, transparency, and integrity in the leadership selection process. He argued that the time had come for the electoral body to take its oversight role more seriously to prevent unqualified individuals from emerging as leaders.

Obi also commended the resignation of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who stepped down amid controversy over discrepancies in his academic records. Describing the move as “a decent and honourable step,” the former Anambra State governor likened it to the resignation of former Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, under similar circumstances during President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to Obi, such resignations, though unfortunate, demonstrate a basic principle of accountability that must define public service. He maintained that issues relating to forged or falsified academic credentials are not minor but constitute serious criminal offences that must be treated as such.

Call For Early Vetting And Transparency

Obi urged INEC to begin verifying certificates submitted by political candidates well ahead of the 2027 elections, from presidential aspirants down to local government councillors. He expressed concern that the electoral body has failed to carry out adequate due diligence in the past, leading to persistent cases of false declarations and discrepancies that undermine public trust.

“It is unacceptable that our electoral system continues to entertain certificate forgery controversies every election cycle,” Obi stated. He explained that such lapses not only damage Nigeria’s global image but also erode citizens’ faith in democratic institutions.

He said that if Nigeria must achieve a free, fair, and credible election in 2027, integrity must be built into the process from the beginning. He suggested that INEC should open a verification window where every incumbent and aspiring candidate submits their certificates for authentication and public accessibility, including details of schools attended from primary to university level.

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According to him, this proactive approach would discourage deceit, expose false claims, and ensure that those seeking to occupy public office are individuals of proven credibility. Obi further advised that all past complaints about forged certificates or false academic claims should be re-examined to set a clear precedent that dishonesty will not be tolerated in Nigerian politics.

He concluded by calling on Nigerians to support a culture of truth and accountability in governance. “Let integrity, transparency, and honour form the foundation of our leadership,” he said. “Only then can we build a nation where public service reflects honesty, not deceit. The time to act is now.”